meta-s-data-for-ads-exchange-facebook-s-shadow-dealings-with-netflix-revealed

In a startling revelation, internal emails from Meta, formerly Facebook, have unveiled a covert exchange of user data between the social media giant and streaming service Netflix.

 

The documents expose a clandestine deal wherein Meta provided Netflix with users' private messages on Messenger in exchange for access to users' watch history. Additionally, it's alleged that Netflix paid Meta a hefty sum exceeding $100 million for advertising services.

 

Dated back to June 2016, the emails disclose Meta's concerted efforts to gather intelligence on competitors, notably Snapchat. Mark Zuckerberg, then Meta's CEO, urged executives to explore methods for obtaining analytics on Snapchat, which posed a significant threat to Meta's dominance in the social media realm. Executives discussed strategies involving intrusive software installations and even contemplated intercepting encrypted traffic to access Snapchat's analytics.

 

Javier Olivan, now Meta's COO, played a pivotal role in pursuing methods to circumvent encryption barriers. He collaborated with Meta's Onavo team, acquired by the company, to devise plans for extracting data from Snapchat's secure servers. The emails reveal a determined effort to breach privacy protocols in order to gain a competitive edge.

 

The revelation has highlighted the extent to which user privacy is commodified in the digital age. Meta's willingness to trade private messages for financial gain raises serious ethical concerns about the company's handling of user data, particularly in light of growing scrutiny over Big Tech's data practices and their implications for consumer privacy and competition.

 

@deedydas, in a public statement on social media platform X, brought attention to the controversy. Their post read: "This is shocking. Facebook gave Netflix all your private messages on Messenger in exchange for all your watch history, while Netflix paid them $100M+ for ads. Meta will sell your data at a heartbeat for profit."

 

Furthermore, Netflix's delay in proceedings regarding Advertiser Plaintiffs' subpoena has drawn criticism. Despite suggesting preparations for a substantial document production, Netflix has failed to produce anything relevant, raising questions about its commitment to transparency.

 

The case revolves around allegations of monopoly maintenance, with Facebook accused of engaging in exclusionary conduct to maintain its dominance. The implications of Meta's data-for-ads scheme extend beyond commercial transactions, highlighting systemic issues within the tech industry where user privacy is often compromised in pursuit of profit and market dominance.

 

Regulators and lawmakers are urged to take decisive action to hold companies like Meta accountable and safeguard consumer privacy rights. In response to mounting pressure, Meta faces calls to address concerns regarding its data practices and the exploitation of user information for financial gain.