AP
- Facebook is under criminal investigation over data-sharing deals it signed with Apple, Amazon, and other major tech companies, reports the New York Times.
- The partnerships, first reported in December, gave those outside companies to data including friends lists, contact information, and even private messages — and not always with the user’s consent.
- Most of those partnerships have ended over the last two years.
- Facebook tells the Times that it is cooperating with investigators.
Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into data-sharing deals struck between Facebook and over 150 other companies, reports the New York Times.
Under the terms of those deals, which the Times first reported in December, Facebook allowed partners including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft to access personal user data, including friend lists, contact information, and sometimes even private messages — and not always with the user’s consent.
Most of those partnerships have ended over the last several years.
According to the New York Times report, a grand jury in New York has already subpoenaed information on these types of deals from at least two smartphone and other device manufacturers involved.
“We are cooperating with investigators and take those probes seriously,” a Facebook spokesperson told the Times. “We’ve provided public testimony, answered questions and pledged that we will continue to do so.”
Facebook did not respond to an immediate request for comment from Business Insider.
This story is developing…
NOW WATCH: A drone builder claims he invented the smallest flying car in the world — the Koncepto Millenya
See Also:
- Facebook reportedly blocks ads for vaginal dryness treatments while allowing those for erectile dysfunction medications
- ‘About as likely as Mexico paying for Trump’s wall’: Some experts say Elizabeth Warren’s plan to break up Big Tech will never happen
- Facebook has armed guards covertly patrolling its idyllic Silicon Valley headquarters
Source: Business Insider – mweinberger@businessinsider.com (Matt Weinberger)