It wasn't a long time back, Microsoft and Apple were accused of tracking the geographical location and data of its users, without
obtaining their explicit permission. Google is undisputed record holder in this area and has been sued all over the globe for snooping on its users. So, why should today's most hotshot company Facebook trail behind? The social networking site is now on its way to earn this dubious distinction, too.
Several privacy groups including The Electronic Privacy Information Center and The American Civil Liberties Union have approached the US Federal Trade Commission to institute an investigation against the social networking giant. These groups have insinuated Facebook of "secretly tracking users after they logged off of Facebook's webpage." It's not surprising since Facebook, on the lines of Google, has pretty murky track record when it comes to protecting its users' data.
The complaint also suggests that the networking site brazenly flouts its own terms and conditions. These groups are particularly vocal about the potential threats posed by Facebook's facial recognition technology and have specifically asked for the immediate suspension of the tool. The letter states that it, "urge(s) the Commission to investigate Facebook, determine the extent of the harm to consumer privacy and safety, require Facebook to cease collection and use of users' biometric data without their affirmative opt-in consent, require Facebook to give users meaningful control over their personal information, establish appropriate security safeguards, limit the disclosure of user information to third parties, and seek appropriate injunctive and compensatory relief."
This problem is likely to compound in the coming days, when Facebook implements its new Timeline and Frictionless sharing features.