As a cybersecurity topic, Facebook has been one of the most controversial sites, especially regarding the privacy of data and sharing of information to third parties. Recently, it has been revealed that the Dutch Data Protection Authority informed the Dutch Interior Ministry to not utilize Facebook pages to communicate with Dutch citizens, as it is unclear how Facebook utilized the data that it collects from those who visit the site. Currently, the government is seeking clarification from Meta as to how the data is being shared or distributed before the government enters a summer recess. The DPA’s chairman, Aleid Wolfsen, has stated that ‘people who visit a government page trust that their personal and sensitive information is in safe hands.’ Interestingly, an expert’s opinion in the article states that the Dutch concern likely lies in the fact that the data can be shared and ‘subject to security issues, monitoring, or access by US federal agencies.’
Recently, the cyber world has seen a spearheaded effort from the EU to keep companies such as Meta more accountable for their actions, especially with security and privacy concerns. This recent news only serves to further this trend. This tension will likely only increase as cybersecurity becomes an ever-increasing presence in our daily lives.
