Meta Hit With a $37.5 M Settlement Over Sneaky Location Tracking
The Finger‑Print of a Modern–Day Privacy Bug
Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, just agreed to pay $37.5 million (about S$52.3 million) after a lawsuit claimed the firm was “tracking” unsuspecting users by way of their phone GPS. The legal action alleges that the company quietly dug into the whereabouts of people who had expressly turned off their Location Services.
How the Stingy Algorithm Works
Imagine you’re on a “minimalist” privacy mode, literally flipping the switch off on your phone. Meta’s claim says the company then guessed where you were using your IP address (think of it as an online version of a sticky note). From that “guess,” they sent you targeted ads — like a welcome back, “Hey, you’re still in town, check out the sushi near you!”
Key Points of the Deal
- The settlement applies to users in the United States who used Facebook after Jan 30, 2015.
- Meta’s lawyers will seek up to 30 % of the sum to cover their fees.
- “Preliminary settlement” has been filed in the San Francisco federal court on Aug 22; a judge must confirm it.
Background—From Law‑makers to the Leaky Locational Leak
Back in June 2018, Facebook’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg explained to U.S. Congress that the company uses location data to help advertisers reach right‑on‑the‑spot audiences. “If you dined at a restaurant, they can target other eat‑ers or friends who also went there,” Zuckerberg joked. The practice turned out to be a bit too personal for most folks.
Meta’s Stance (And the Silence)
Despite the settlement, Meta didn’t admit any wrongdoing. “We remain confident in the integrity of our privacy policy,” Meta’s spokesperson said before the hush‑rocki‑off. The company hasn’t yet answered questions from reporters. (Yep, the same polite platitude that comes with “We’re open to anything.”)
Wrap‑Up: The Verdict & The Moral of the Story
In the end, the settlement is arguably a reminder that even “glitch‑free” platforms can slip when they invite data in behind the scenes. Users are now up for €37.5 million, and Meta has had to dabble in an apology, obviously. Just keep a sharp eye on those Location Services settings—never let your phone become an anonymous advertiser’s playground again.
