Facebook Black Markets, a Big Google Settlement, and More
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** CfA's November 18th, 2022 Newsletter
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Thank you for your continued support of Campaign for Accountability. We're dedicated to continue working to hold the powerful accountable.
** This Week's Updates:
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How Facebook Hosts an Advertising Black Market: On Monday, CfA's Tech Transparency Project (TTP) released a report ([link removed]) exposing the black market for Facebook Business Manager accounts—hosted on Facebook itself. TTP identified over 100 Facebook pages where Business Manager accounts were being bought and sold - an open violation Meta's own policy, which forbids such transactions. These accounts are approved to post ads across Meta's platforms, and can be used to circulate scams, misinformation, and even political advertisements.
The groups documented in the report were also being used to sell packages of stolen or falsified documents, including IDs, Social Security cards, and utility bills. These documents allow users to create new Business Manager accounts, under different names and addresses.
Google Settles in Big Privacy Case: This week, Google paid $392 million ([link removed]) to 40 states for violating consumer protection laws and misleading users about the data it was collecting from them. Even when users asked not to be tracked, Google was keeping tabs on their location through other apps. TTP investigated a similar loophole ([link removed]) earlier this year, which allowed Google's Android users to discreetly track the location of another Android device
TTP Research Cited in Facebook Lawsuit, HSGAC Report: TTP's report titled White Supremacist Groups Are Thriving on Facebook ([link removed]) was recently cited in a lawsuit ([link removed]) brought against Meta by the family of Reverend Clementa Pickney, who was murdered along with eight other black churchgoers by white supremacist Dylann Roof. That same research was also used to support the work of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Government Affairs (HSGAC), which released its own report ([link removed]) on domestic extremism this Wednesday.
TTP's report demonstrated that Facebook had automatically generated pages for white supremacist hate groups, going so far as to link to their external websites. Both the Pickney family's lawsuit and the HSGAC report stress the role of social media in radicalization and hold Meta accountable for its failure to prioritize safety over user engagement.
** What We're Reading:
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* 4 Takeaways About Money in the Midterms ([link removed])
This midterm cycle is shaping up to be the most expensive one ever. While much of that spending is anonymous and untraceable, there are still interesting patterns emerging in campaign finance (as well as some hope for transparency reforms).
* Meta reportedly disciplined or fired more than two dozen workers for taking over Facebook user accounts ([link removed])
Meta employees were allegedly accepting bribes from hackers and social media managers to access accounts, due in part to Meta's inadequate customer service system. The company has cracked down, but not before the damage was done to users.
* Amazon warehouse speed goals linked to chronic injury, risk ([link removed])
Workers in Amazon warehouses are being injured at an unusually high rate, according to regulators in Washington State. Based on their inspections, the regulators pointed to the fast pace of work as a major driver of injuries, as well as the long hours worked by employees. In response, Amazon is appealing the decision and suing the state.
** Follow Our Work:
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We thank you for your continued support. Without people like you, our work would not be possible.
Here is how you can stay involved and help us accomplish our mission:
1. Follow CfA on Twitter ([link removed]) .
2. Follow the Tech Transparency Project on Twitter ([link removed]) .
3. Tell your friends and colleagues ([link removed]) about CfA.
4. Send us a tip ([link removed]) .
5. Make a tax-deductible donation ([link removed]) .
Be on the lookout for more updates about our work in the upcoming weeks. Thanks again for signing up to be a part of CfA!
Sincerely,
Michelle Kuppersmith
Executive Director, Campaign for Accountability
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