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Facebook snooped on users' Snapchat traffic in secret project, documents reveal

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Facebook snooped on users' Snapchat traffic in secret project, documents reveal

Facebook launched "Project Ghostbusters" in 2016, aimed at intercepting and decrypting network traffic between Snapchat users and its servers to gain insights and compete with the platform. Newly unsealed court documents reveal how Facebook tried to gain a competitive advantage over Snapchat, later extending it to Amazon and YouTube. Facebook used its acquired VPN-like service, Onavo, to bypass encryption and access users' web activity. The documents also show internal emails discussing the project, with some employees expressing concern about the privacy implications. A class action lawsuit was filed against Facebook in 2020, alleging deceptive data collection practices.

Related News

Snap failed to warn users about sextortion risks, state lawsuit alleges

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Snap failed to warn users about sextortion risks, state lawsuit alleges

- Internal documents reveal that Snapchat was receiving 10,000 reports of sextortion each month in November 2022, with the actual number likely being much higher due to underreporting. - Snap was informed that the combination of its young user base and disappearing messages could lead users to believe that sexting on the app was safe. - An internal marketing document acknowledged that sexting had become a regular behavior among Generation Z, presenting a challenge for Snap to promote safety without discouraging usage. - Despite concerns about sextortion, Snap claims that sexting only accounts for a small fraction of messages exchanged on the platform. - Tests conducted by New Mexico investigators and even Snap employees found fault with Snap's safety-enhancing features, including continued exposure of minors to adult strangers through its "Quick Add" friend recommendations feature. - The state accuses Snap of pursuing growth initiatives that pose risks to young users and designing features that increase engagement while hindering user self-regulation.

Mark Zuckerberg as a boss terrifies me after seeing an email he sent: 'You should figure out how to do this.'

Business Insider

Business Insider · 1y ago

Mark Zuckerberg as a boss terrifies me after seeing an email he sent: 'You should figure out how to do this.'

Newly unsealed documents from a lawsuit against Meta have revealed an email from Mark Zuckerberg to Facebook employees, instructing them to find a way to track user analytics from competitors, specifically Snapchat. This was in 2016 when Meta acquired a company called Onavo, which had a user privacy app that tracked user data about other apps. However, Snapchat's user data was encrypted, and Zuckerberg wanted his team to find a way around that encryption. The email's last line, "You should figure out how to do this," is particularly alarming for employees.

Elon Musk and the SEC are on a collision course again

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Elon Musk and the SEC are on a collision course again

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating Elon Musk for his late disclosure of Twitter stock purchases. Court documents reveal that Musk and his adviser may have ignored compliance with a rule that required him to disclose his ownership once it surpassed 5% of Twitter's shares. The testimony provided to the SEC suggests that Musk violated the rule to keep his trading secret and prevent Twitter's share price from rising while he was buying it. The SEC is investigating whether Musk committed civil fraud by delaying his disclosure or misleading the market about his plans.

Is Snapchat testing a new ad-free subscription?

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Is Snapchat testing a new ad-free subscription?

Snapchat is reportedly testing an ad-free subscription plan called Snapchat Plus, which is currently available in Australia for a monthly cost of AUD 15.99. The plan aims to eliminate ads from stories and Lens ads, but users may still encounter some sponsored ads. The feature was previously accessible in Norway. It is speculated that Snapchat might charge users separately for an ad-free experience, and there is no confirmation on a global rollout yet. The platform has introduced various new features with the launch of Snapchat Plus.

Snapchat down, thousands of users report problems logging in

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m ago

Snapchat down, thousands of users report problems logging in

On Friday, Snapchat experienced an outage, affecting users' ability to log in and causing connectivity issues. Downdetector noted nearly 50,000 reports, with 60% of users logged out of their accounts and 21% facing server connection errors. The cause of the outage is unknown, and Snapchat has not provided an official statement.

Snapchat eyes GenZ cohort with personalised experiences to drive user growth

Thehindubusinessline

Thehindubusinessline · 1y ago

Snapchat eyes GenZ cohort with personalised experiences to drive user growth

Snap Inc. is focusing on attracting more GenZ users in India for its Snapchat messaging app. With India's large young population, the country presents a significant growth opportunity for the company. Snapchat offers unique features, such as AR filters and lenses, location-based feeds, and short video content, which appeal to young users. Currently, Snapchat has a user base of 200 million monthly active users in India and aims to expand further. The company also aims to tap into the Indian digital advertising market, leveraging the rise of e-commerce and influencer marketing.

Snapchat users will now be able to order directly from Amazon

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Snapchat users will now be able to order directly from Amazon

Snapchat users will soon be able to shop directly from Amazon within the app, thanks to a new partnership between the two companies. This move aims to help Amazon boost its online shopping business while allowing Snapchat to compete with platforms like TikTok. Users will see real-time pricing, product details, Prime eligibility, and delivery estimates for select Amazon products on Snapchat. This collaboration is expected to revive Snap's advertising business and cater to the impulse-driven shopping experience found on social media.

Amazon reaches deal to run shopping ads on Snap

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Amazon reaches deal to run shopping ads on Snap

Amazon will enable Snapchat users in the U.S. to purchase products directly from the social media app, mirroring a deal with Meta Platforms. Users can shop from Amazon's Snapchat ads and check out within the app. Real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details will be available for select Amazon product ads on Snapchat. This move aligns with Amazon's strategy to expand product offerings through social media platforms and benefits Snap, as it experiences revenue growth and increased advertiser interest.

The Inherent Problem with completely Anonymous Apps

Internet

Internet · 1y ago

The Inherent Problem with completely Anonymous Apps

Anonymous apps like Yik Yak and Secret initially gain rapid popularity but struggle to maintain user engagement due to a lack of community and identity. Without lasting relationships or evolving utility, these apps can't sustain long-term interest. In contrast, successful apps like Snapchat build strong communities and continuously evolve, demonstrating that identity and utility are crucial for lasting appeal in social media.

Meta designed products to capitalize on teen vulnerabilities, states allege

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Meta designed products to capitalize on teen vulnerabilities, states allege

According to newly unredacted legal filings, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) allegedly designed its social media products to exploit vulnerabilities in the brains of young users. The documents suggest that Meta aimed to capitalize on youth psychology predisposed to impulsive, peer-driven, and potentially harmful behavior. Concerns regarding well-being were acknowledged by some Meta executives, who recognized that the app was not designed for younger teens lacking the emotional and cognitive skills of older ones. Furthermore, Meta allegedly condoned usage of Facebook and Instagram by preteens, knowingly violating rules and laws.

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