Tech

Meta reaches privacy settlement, denies any wrongdoing

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2022

Meta reaches privacy settlement, agreeing to pay $37.5 million in compensation

There are new reports Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has reached a $37.5 million privacy settlement.

Filed earlier this week in San Francisco’s Federal Court, the settlement is in response to a class action accusing Facebook of violating both California state law and its own privacy policy.

Meta allegedly collected consumer data despite users shutting off location services on their mobile devices.

Whilst agreeing to pay, Meta continues to deny any wrongdoing as the deal awaits a judge’s final approval.

In 2018, then-Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted that location data was used to help advertisers reach their target audiences.

Zuckerberg said the data was useful to assist advertisers in serving more targeted promotions to users within a specific geographic area.

While some people find this feature helpful, others have complained that the move is highly invasive.

Much has changed in the world of user data collection since this lawsuit was first lodged. Apple now allows consumers to turn off the ability for apps, like Facebook, to track activity. While Facebook is also allowing users to clear their history on the app.

Of course, people who have switched off these functions have impeded advertisers’ capability in accurately measuring ad performance.

It remains unclear if Meta has reached this settlement in a bid to make this case to disappear or if it is acknowledgement of former poor practices that have now been rectified.

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Dr Karen Sutherland

Dr Karen Sutherland is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast where she designs and delivers social media education and research. Dr Sutherland is also the Co-Founder and Social Media Specialist at Dharana Digital marketing agency focused on helping people working in the health and wellness space.

News

Tesla’s robotaxi reveal sparks excitement

Published

4 days ago

October 11, 2024

Ahron Young

Analysts and investors are eagerly awaiting Elon Musk’s big reveal—a fully functional autonomous vehicle that could revolutionise ride-hailing.

Tesla’s stock has soared 52% since Musk first announced the event in April, reflecting high hopes for the launch of its much-anticipated robotaxi.

The vehicle, dubbed the “Cybercab,” is said to be a sleek, two-seater without a steering wheel or pedals—straight out of the future.

Tesla also teased a ride-hailing app that will summon these driverless cars to pick up riders at their chosen locations.

Not convincing

But not everyone is convinced—some analysts warn that while Musk’s vision is bold, the timeline for these innovations may not deliver immediate results.

Musk has a history of overpromising on autonomous tech, and this event might be more about grand ideas than tangible products.

Tesla first floated the robotaxi idea in 2016, with Musk hinting at a future where owners could lease their cars to others for extra income.

If the software keeps pace with Musk’s ambitions, the future of driverless Teslas might be closer than we think.

Money

Amazon’s 2024 Prime Day expected to make huge impact on tech sector sales

Published

6 days ago

October 9, 2024

ticker NEWS

Market experts believe Amazon’s upcoming event will drive a surge in sales, benefiting Amazon’s stock and boosting consumer tech companies that sell through its platform.

Experts predict that a short-term rally in retail and tech stocks could be seen as revenue spikes.

Founder/CEO of Unearthing Opportunities, and Board Advisor to Power Hero, Bradley A Gastwirth joins to unpack the latest market moves. #featured #trending