Facebook paid teens $20 a month to access their browsing history and DMs

Some Facebook users are giving the social network access to their phone activity in exchange for cash as a part of an exploration project since 2016, in step with a Tues report by TechCrunch.

Facebook, that critics say is not doing enough to shield the privacy of its users, has been giving individuals between the ages of thirteen and thirty five a payment of $20 per month and referral fees for his or her phone and net activity. Facebook is ready to access this information once users install a "Facebook Research" VPN app.

The company is ready to look at net searches, location data, non-public messages in social media apps, and different information, Guardian Mobile Firewall security specialist can Strafach told TechCrunch. The study's participants square measure even asked to screenshot a page showing what they ordered from Amazon, in step with TechCrunch.

Facebook reportedly is move down the Facebook analysis app for Apple iOS users, in step with The Verge.

The app is analogous to Facebook's Onavo shield app that Apple illegal from the App Store for violating its privacy rules, in step with TechCrunch. Facebook removed the Onavo app in August.

Facebook confirmed that it absolutely was running an exploration program to be told concerning people's phone usage.

"Like several corporations, we tend to invite individuals to participate in analysis that helps United States determine things we will be doing higher," a Facebook proponent same in AN emailed statement. "Since this analysis is aimed toward serving to Facebook perceive however individuals use their mobile devices, we tend to've provided in depth data concerning the sort of information we collect and the way they will participate. we do not share this data with others and folks will stop taking part at any time."
Beta-testing services BetaBound, uTest and commendation helped distribute the app, and that they do not at first mention on the sign-up pages for the social media study that they are property Facebook access participants' information. however if minors attempt to be a part of the study through a page administered by commendation, they need to urge their oldsters to sign a kind that mentions Facebook's involvement within the study.

Facebook same there is nothing secret or underhanded concerning the app.

"It wasn't 'spying' as all of the people that signed up to participate went through a transparent on-boarding method posing for their permission and were paid to participate," the proponent same.

The company same that but five p.c of the participants within the analysis program were teens, which all of them with signed parental consent forms.

BetaBound, uTest and commendation did not right away answer missive of invitation for comment.