December 17th 2024.
Australian Facebook users who were affected by the infamous Cambridge Analytica privacy breach have finally reached a resolution after years of legal proceedings. As part of a $50 million settlement, both the Australian Information Commissioner and Facebook parent company Meta have agreed to compensate impacted users. This highly-awaited decision comes after a court-ordered mediation that began in February 2024.
In a statement, Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that it is the largest ever payment dedicated to addressing privacy concerns in Australia. She deemed it as a significant step towards resolving the issues raised by the Cambridge Analytica scandal and providing affected individuals with a chance to seek redress through Meta's payment program. Moreover, it also brings an end to the lengthy court process, providing closure to those involved.
The legal proceedings were initiated by the Commissioner in 2020 when it was discovered that Facebook users' data had been accessed and shared without their consent by Cambridge Analytica, a consultancy firm. It is believed that the personal information of some Australian Facebook users was disclosed to the "This is Your Digital Life" app and could potentially be used for political profiling. This app, which appeared as a harmless "personality test," collected data from millions of users and their Facebook friends, even those who did not download the app themselves.
As part of the settlement, the Commissioner has withdrawn the civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Meta. The company is now required to appoint a third party to administer the $50 million payment, which will be delivered in two tiers. The first tier will be for individuals who experienced generalized concern or embarrassment due to the breach, while the second tier will be for those who can prove they suffered loss or damage.
Tydd emphasized the significance of this payment scheme, stating that it serves as a reminder to all entities operating in Australia to be transparent and accountable in their handling of personal information. She also stressed the importance of giving users control and choice over how their personal information is used, a responsibility that applies to global corporations operating in Australia as well. Tydd reassured Australians that their personal information is protected by the Privacy Act, regardless of where it is being used.
In conclusion, she encouraged everyone to download the 9News app to stay updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. The app also sends notifications straight to smartphones, providing convenience and up-to-date information. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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