Report: Facebook Tracks Visitors Who Have Opted Out, Violating EU Law

itwbennett writes: In a technical analysis (PDF) of Facebook's tracking practices, researchers found that Facebook tracks everyone who visits its site, including people who don't have an account, and even continues to track users and non-users who have opted out of targeted ads. The problem with these practices is that the cookies are placed without consent, which under EU law is only allowed if there is a strict necessity to do so. Facebook disputes the report: "We have explained in detail the inaccuracies in the earlier draft report (after it was published) directly to the Belgian DPA, who we understand commissioned it, and have offered to meet with them to explain why it is incorrect, but they have declined to meet or engage with us."

Comments

How Is it Not Strictly Necessary?

[wisnoskij]

If they did not target ads at consumers they would go out of business and cease to exist. There very existence is only possible because of the strictly necessary ads.