Facebook's user phone number is being used to promote advertising
Facebook earns money by utilizing user's personal information The phone number provided by the user is giving them more convenience. While Facebook claims that they do not use the mobile phone number available from the user to show specific advertisements. They use mobile numbers to keep the account safe and secure. But a recent study proves that Facebook's claim is false.
A team of researchers from North Eastern and Princeton University of the United States examined that Facebook is running fraudulent practices with the user's mobile phone number. Facebook is collecting phone numbers for targeted advertising on the pretext of security. Working on Facebook in two ways There is a Two Factor Authentication (ToFA) phone number and another is the 'Shadow' contact information.
When a user gives Facebook a phone number to set a TFA for account security or receives a warning message about their new login account, their phone number can be verified by Facebook. Within a few weeks the verified or actual account became known to Facebook as 'gold mine'. They can present it to advertisers as verified accounts by phone numbers. Facebook has been misusing the TOA phone number long ago.
However, this is not a TFA security error. That is, it is not right to neglect or avoid this method to keep accounts safe. Because, the problem is not in the TFA method. The problem is the management of Facebook users' information. Facebook is spoiling user safety and privacy confidence.
There are several types of TFA systems going on. In the SMS based TFA system, the user receives a code from the phone number, which is to be used to login on Facebook. Other methods include App Authoritcher and Hardware Token. This does not require phone numbers. But a few months ago Facebook made phone numbers compulsory in all types of TUFA systems.
Shadow contact or shadow number-related information is also frustrating Facebook. The Facebook contact list collects information from friends. If anyone shares his contact number on Facebook, then Facebook gives the opportunity to advertise to another number in his contact list. One month later, Facebook launched the Shadow Contact facility.
Experts say that how Facebook creates a shadow profile of mobile phone numbers, is not a transparent process. Users can not find that shadow contact number. Even in the tough rules of Europe, Facebook is using the phone number in such a way.
But now many have become aware. Facebook authorities have recently tried to reassure users after the data being unforeseen and Cambridge Analytics scandal. In this process, they have to be transparent and take appropriate action before them. Facebook authorities can start with the deletion of the TFA number and preventing shadow number-related information from being used. References: Zedinet, TechCrunch.
A team of researchers from North Eastern and Princeton University of the United States examined that Facebook is running fraudulent practices with the user's mobile phone number. Facebook is collecting phone numbers for targeted advertising on the pretext of security. Working on Facebook in two ways There is a Two Factor Authentication (ToFA) phone number and another is the 'Shadow' contact information.
When a user gives Facebook a phone number to set a TFA for account security or receives a warning message about their new login account, their phone number can be verified by Facebook. Within a few weeks the verified or actual account became known to Facebook as 'gold mine'. They can present it to advertisers as verified accounts by phone numbers. Facebook has been misusing the TOA phone number long ago.
However, this is not a TFA security error. That is, it is not right to neglect or avoid this method to keep accounts safe. Because, the problem is not in the TFA method. The problem is the management of Facebook users' information. Facebook is spoiling user safety and privacy confidence.
There are several types of TFA systems going on. In the SMS based TFA system, the user receives a code from the phone number, which is to be used to login on Facebook. Other methods include App Authoritcher and Hardware Token. This does not require phone numbers. But a few months ago Facebook made phone numbers compulsory in all types of TUFA systems.
Shadow contact or shadow number-related information is also frustrating Facebook. The Facebook contact list collects information from friends. If anyone shares his contact number on Facebook, then Facebook gives the opportunity to advertise to another number in his contact list. One month later, Facebook launched the Shadow Contact facility.
Experts say that how Facebook creates a shadow profile of mobile phone numbers, is not a transparent process. Users can not find that shadow contact number. Even in the tough rules of Europe, Facebook is using the phone number in such a way.
But now many have become aware. Facebook authorities have recently tried to reassure users after the data being unforeseen and Cambridge Analytics scandal. In this process, they have to be transparent and take appropriate action before them. Facebook authorities can start with the deletion of the TFA number and preventing shadow number-related information from being used. References: Zedinet, TechCrunch.
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