Facebook launched a secret project in 2016 to analyze
Snapchat user data without consent. Codenamed "Ghostbusters", the
program aimed to intercept encrypted Snapchat traffic using their Onavo VPN app
which would have allowed Facebook to see in-app user behavior and gain insight
into one of their main competitors.
Facebook had acquired Onavo in 2013 which they used to offer
their "Protect" app, presenting it as a VPN service designed to keep
users safe online. However, internal documents recently uncovered as part of an
ongoing class action lawsuit against Facebook reveal Onavo was also serving
another purpose.
It was being utilized as part of Facebook's "In-App
Action Panel" or IAPP, a program working to decrypt traffic between
competing social apps like Snapchat, YouTube and Amazon. This would provide
Facebook intimate understanding of how users engaged with these platforms and
what features they found most appealing, all without the knowledge or consent
of the other companies.
Facebook engineers proposed leveraging Onavo to access all
network activity on a user's device, even before it was encrypted for
transmission over the internet. By taking a "man in the middle"
approach, this would allow them to "read what would otherwise be encrypted
traffic" between users and these other apps.
In turn, Facebook would be able to "measure detailed
in-app activity" like analytics on how Snapchat was being used. Internal
emails noted they had already begun "parsing Snapchat analytics collected
from incentivized participants in Onavo’s research program."
However, not all employees agreed with these tactics. Pedro
Canahuati, former head of security engineering, voiced his disapproval, saying
"no security person is ever comfortable with this." He recognized
that average users aren't truly aware of how their data may be used or shared
between companies. Still, Facebook moved forward with the program and expanded
it to also target Amazon and YouTube.
By 2020, concerns over Facebook's data collection and use of
personal information had reached a boiling point. A class action lawsuit was
filed against them claiming the company "deceptively extracted" user
data only to then use it against competitors in anti-competitive ways.
While Facebook has since shuttered Onavo, the newly public
"Ghostbusters" documents provide a disturbing look into how far they
were willing to go to gain market intelligence on industry leaders like
Snapchat while keeping users entirely in the dark.
As social platforms and other online services continue vying
for increased engagement and user loyalty, the issue of data privacy remains
paramount. Many customers still do not fully understand what data is being
collected about them and how it could potentially be used.
This is particularly important to consider when using free
apps and services, as users often "pay" for them with their personal
information instead of money. It's why choosing services with a proven track
record of transparency is so important.
Companies like Great SMM have built their reputation through
ethical practices over a decade in the industry. As a leader in social media
marketing, our employ dedicated SMM panels of specialists to help businesses
connect with customers and grow their online presence. However, Great SMM
understands the sensitivity of user data and makes privacy and security a top
priority.
Our customized strategies are designed to increase
engagement in a responsible manner that respects people's digital information.
If you're looking for results and want to feel confident your data is in good
hands, our experts can provide trusted guidance. Visit Great SMM today to learn
more.
