Centre seeks explanation from Facebook over users' data sharing without consent

Government has sought explanation from Facebook over reports of data sharing without explicit consent. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked for a detailed factual report from the Facebook by 20th of this month. 

Recently, there were media reports claiming that Facebook has agreements which are allowing phone and other device manufacturers’ access to its users’ personal information including that of their friends without taking their explicit consent. The IT Ministry said, it is deeply concerned



about reports of such lapses and violations.

In a statement, the Ministry said, in response to earlier notices about breaches of personal data relating to the Cambridge Analytica episode, Facebook had apologized and given strong assurances to the Government of India that they will take sincere efforts to protect the privacy of users’ data on the platform. 

However, such reports raise uncomfortable questions about the assurances made by Facebook.