We all know very well that the Cambridge Analytica scandal has alerted users to privacy issues and especially to show the users of the social network giant Facebook that their data is not always accessible and are easy to obtain from third parties. However, now according to the latest reports, the social network giant Facebook using users’ phone number simply to provide targeted ads.
Facebook Using Users’ Phone Number To Provide Ads
The Cambridge Analytica scandal has alerted users to privacy issues and especially to show the users of the social network giant Facebook that their data is not always accessible and are easy to obtain from third parties.
There is, however, a new problem that the social network giant Facebook has to deal with. According to what has been discovered, the social network giant Facebook will be using users’ phone numbers to send advertisements, even the numbers indicated for 2-factor authentications.
It was based on an investigation made that it was discovered that the social network giant Facebook uses the data we provide for other purposes, violating clear rules outside, and incorporating them into the user profile.
Specifically, the problem is the phone number that users can provide in two different situations. In the first, the phone is provided with the other data, and in the second, when it is used for 2-factor authentication, it is not explicit that it can be used for advertising presentation.
By including this number, provided for security, in the users’ profile, it is then used for advertising purposes and to share with other partners and companies, also engaged in the presentation of advertising.
In addition to this new method, the social network giant Facebook is also collecting these phone numbers from the users’ calendar, then associating them with the profile of the other users.
Facebook’s defense
Once the problem was known, the social network giant Facebook responded and explained that in its understanding it is not violating any rule or making an improper use of the mobile number.
Two-factor authentication for Facebook
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Posted by Facebook Security on Wednesday, May 23, 2018
The social network giant Facebook is sure that the information passed on to users is clear about how they use the data they collect and how they use it. It further alleges that all such personal data can be queried, deleted or changed in the user account management area.
The solution Facebook recommends
To avoid the situation that has now been found, the social network giant Facebook has a simple solution and should be used by all who do not want their phone number on the platform of the social network giant Facebook.
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This involves turning off phone-based on 2-factor authentication. It is true that the number is no longer accessible by the social network giant Facebook, but at the same time the user is vulnerable and exposed.
This is one more problem that the social network giant Facebook will have to deal with. The security mobile number was not supposed to be included in the user profile and thus be exposed. Even worse is that the social network giant Facebook is spreading it within its advertising partners. So, what do you think about this? Simply share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below.