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Facebook Could Use Data Collected From Its Portal In-Home Video Device To Target You With Ads (recode.net)

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Recode: Facebook announced Portal last week, its take on the in-home, voice-activated speaker to rival competitors from Amazon, Google and Apple. Last Monday, we wrote: "No data collected through Portal -- even call log data or app usage data, like the fact that you listened to Spotify -- will be used to target users with ads on Facebook." We wrote that because that's what we were told by Facebook executives. But Facebook has since reached out to change its answer: Portal doesn't have ads, but data about who you call and data about which apps you use on Portal can be used to target you with ads on other Facebook-owned properties.

"Portal voice calling is built on the Messenger infrastructure, so when you make a video call on Portal, we collect the same types of information (i.e. usage data such as length of calls, frequency of calls) that we collect on other Messenger-enabled devices. We may use this information to inform the ads we show you across our platforms. Other general usage data, such as aggregate usage of apps, etc., may also feed into the information that we use to serve ads," a spokesperson said in an email to Recode. That isn't very surprising, considering Facebook's business model. The biggest benefit of Facebook owning a device in your home is that it provides the company with another data stream for its ad-targeting business.

62 comments

  1. And? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    This is unexpected? Ads are the entirety of their business model... you think they created messenger and portal and whatever the phooq else they peddle to make your life better? Hah!

    1. Re:And? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "No data collected through Portal . . . . . will be used to target users with ads on Facebook." We wrote that because that's what we were told by Facebook executives.

      If that was actually true, then "Portal" would have no reason to exist.

      Jeez, use some common sense. They are lying. Facebook's only reason for existing is to sell advertising.

    2. Re:And? by Jane+Q.+Public · · Score: 1

      Who buys these things anyway?

      Who is not aware of the extremely severe privacy and security issues they represent?

      It just dumbfounds me.

    3. Re: And? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Half the population has an IQ under 100. Think about it.

  2. It looks like your girlfriend is ugly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    do you want to buy more beer?

  3. Portal, will there be cake? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "The cake is a lie."

  4. Millennials by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Will buy these devices like candy, without any question whatsoever.

    Very smart business move by Facebook.

    1. Re:Millennials by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually probably more lazy boomer types who rely on voice activated purchasing from their barcaloungers, too obese and unwilling to get up anyway.

    2. Re: Millennials by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't they just ask money from parents and instead of buying the device, they want to buy a monthly service?

  5. My Home by PPH · · Score: 1

    Mainly ads for cleaning products.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  6. Facebook might be disappointed by hyades1 · · Score: 3, Funny

    If they're going to be getting information from a camera-equipped set-top box, I think they may be disappointed. How many ads for Vaseline and Kleenex can they sell?

    --
    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
    1. Re:Facebook might be disappointed by DarkRookie2 · · Score: 1

      And socks. Don't forget those.

      --
      http://progressquest.com/spoltog.php?name=Son+Of+Son+Of+DarkRookie
    2. Re:Facebook might be disappointed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Vaseline and Kleenex is NOT a sandwich, Libertarians! I can't emphasize this enough, we have standards for a reason!

    3. Re:Facebook might be disappointed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's not *just* about ads, it's about learning how to control the behavior of their users.

    4. Re:Facebook might be disappointed by hyades1 · · Score: 1

      Excellent point.

      --
      I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
  7. "Could"?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    That's cute. Try *will*.

    1. Re:"Could"?? by DarkRookie2 · · Score: 1

      The best part of that is that it is only 'will' and not 'are' since the devices haven't been released yet.

      --
      http://progressquest.com/spoltog.php?name=Son+Of+Son+Of+DarkRookie
    2. Re:"Could"?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, saying that Facebook could collect data from anything they release is like saying that humans could use their lungs to breathe. No matter what Facebook say at the moment, anything that can collect data will collect data and that data will be used to target ads.

  8. Really?!?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I'm shocked. Shocked I say!

  9. "could" is a bit generous by redback · · Score: 2

    "Could" ? They will fucking mine you for every bit of data they can.

  10. It is worth it by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

    It is definitely worth it in exchange for a smart speaker that only costs $199 or $349!

    1. Re: It is worth it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Agreed. I'm going to get two for every room in the house.

  11. Exercise is repeated until the lesson is learned. by surfcow · · Score: 0

    If you buy a networked "talking speaker" from facebook and expect it to honor your privacy, or respect your settings, ...
    you are going to learn a familiar lesson all over again.

  12. Seriously? by djbckr · · Score: 1

    I notice that my feed as of late is more ads than anything else. I really would rather keep up with my friends across the country, but I'm starting to think about dropping FB because the ads are getting rather unbearable. And I use ad-blocking software.

    1. Re:Seriously? by 110010001000 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Ads are a small price to pay in exchange for knowing what the friend of a guy you knew in college had for lunch.

    2. Re:Seriously? by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

      But but but how else will you keep up with what your neighbor's cousin's ex's plumber's newest parolee-girlfriend is currently eating/buying/fucking?

      How else will you be able to see blurry pictures of amazing shitty food that some random drunken goober took at some shithole diner at 3AM?

      How else will you keep abreast of what some pompous douchebag who went to the same high school as you is doing day in and day out?

      How, I ask you, HOW??? Won't someone think of the douchebags?!?!?!?!

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  13. Story tagged 'obvious' by thoughtlover · · Score: 1

    That isn't very surprising, considering Facebook's business model. The biggest benefit of Facebook owning a device in your home is that it provides the company with another data stream for its ad-targeting business.

    Where "another" data stream being your phone... obviously. I strongly encourage everyone to delete their Facebook profile. You may be giving FB advert monies, but you're definitely giving the US Gov more.

    --
    No sig for you! Come back one year!
    1. Re:Story tagged 'obvious' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That isn't very surprising, considering Facebook's business model. The biggest benefit of Facebook owning a device in your home is that it provides the company with another data stream for its ad-targeting business.

      Where "another" data stream being your phone... obviously. I strongly encourage everyone to delete their Facebook profile.

      This. Deleting your FB account is a sure fire way to losing control of your identity altogether.

  14. Re:Exercise is repeated until the lesson is learne by DarkRookie2 · · Score: 2

    You don't need the 'from facebook' part
    The others are currently doing this since they are out.

    --
    http://progressquest.com/spoltog.php?name=Son+Of+Son+Of+DarkRookie
  15. No thanks I'll pass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I don't even have Facebook on my phone anymore. I only stick with Facebook for getting a few updates from friends. Otherwise, I'm done with it.

  16. Sad state of affairs by nwaack · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The fact that the Portal even exists really says a lot about how stupid the average consumer is.

    1. Re:Sad state of affairs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This. I'm continually baffled by the direction that peoples use of technology is moving. You're paying for something that will follow you with adverts. It's not like it's some big secret like it sort of used to be. People used to be surprised and even angry when they found out that... I don't know... that webmail service providers would skim the contents of emails to target adverts. It's intrusive and objectifying, but at least it's cash free. You're the product, the price you're paying for the service you use is you yourself. There's a certain horrible equitability going on. But buying hardware to use in your home that does this kind of thing is...

      I'm utterly boggled. I'm at the point where I don't even want to know why anymore.

    2. Re:Sad state of affairs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Indeed, you would have to be a very special kind of stupid to use this device.

  17. I'm glad they clarified that. by cshark · · Score: 1

    I guess I won't be buying one of these. Oh well.

    --

    This signature has Super Cow Powers

  18. Time to stop lying, APK by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You need to apologize to both c6gunner and PPH for falsely accusing them of impersonating you. Stop lying and making bogus posts whining about supposed impersonation.

  19. Facebook has hit a zuckerberg and is sinking by WaffleMonster · · Score: 1

    Facebook is listing.

    It's stocks liquefying.
    https://finance.yahoo.com/char...

    Passengers jumping ship in disgust.
    http://www.pewresearch.org/fac...

    Only Yiannis Avranas (Captain of the Oceanus) can save our souls now.

  20. Ahem ... by CaptainDork · · Score: 1

    See sig.

    --
    It little behooves the best of us to comment on the rest of us.
  21. c6gunner IMPERSONATING me again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    See subject: his FAKEname on a post impersonating me https://linux.slashdot.org/com... & altering /.er's words.

    c6gunner tried to mock me 1st https://linux.slashdot.org/com...

    So I challenge c6gunner to show he did better work than mine & he CAN'T!

    YOU DEMAND PROOF of others here?

    "I've yet to see you provide any evidence of that." by c6gunner on Monday March 15, 2010 @10:02PM (#31490942) ?

    So now I DEMAND IT OF YOU & YOU FAIL!

    c6gunner = "Run, Forrest: RUN!!!

    * c6gunner's LYING saying I did a MacOS X one - I haven't yet & c6gunner's LYING impersonating me hosts work vs. Intel CPU issues (spectre/meltdown).

    APK

    P.S.=> You say hosts = shit here https://slashdot.org/comments.... ?

    FACTS: /.ers & security pros + RESULTS say DIFFERENT:

    1st: /.ers https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments....

    2nd: SECURITY PROS https://slashdot.org/comments....

    3rd: REAL RESULTS w/ hosts vs. threats https://slashdot.org/comments....

    EAT YOUR WORDS!

  22. Fuck this world by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why does everything have to track us for targeted ads? Fuck this world and fuck the Internet.

  23. Pimp yourself to our corporate overlords by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If they can collect your data and sell it, they will. That is their business model. Make no mistake about this.

  24. Anyone and I mean anyone.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    that puts a facebook microphone in their house is a ****ing idiot.

    BC

  25. c6gunner IMPERSONATING me again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    See subject: his FAKEname on a post impersonating me https://linux.slashdot.org/com... & altering /.er's words.

    c6gunner tried to mock me 1st https://linux.slashdot.org/com...

    So I challenge c6gunner to show he did better work than mine & he CAN'T!

    YOU DEMAND PROOF of others here?

    "I've yet to see you provide any evidence of that." by c6gunner on Monday March 15, 2010 @10:02PM (#31490942) ?

    So now I DEMAND IT OF YOU & YOU FAIL!

    c6gunner = "Run, Forrest: RUN!!!

    * c6gunner's LYING saying I did a MacOS X one - I haven't yet & c6gunner's LYING impersonating me hosts work vs. Intel CPU issues (spectre/meltdown).

    APK

    P.S.=> You say hosts = shit here https://slashdot.org/comments.... ?

    FACTS: /.ers & security pros + RESULTS say DIFFERENT:

    1st: /.ers https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments.... https://slashdot.org/comments....

    2nd: SECURITY PROS https://slashdot.org/comments....

    3rd: REAL RESULTS w/ hosts vs. threats https://slashdot.org/comments....

    EAT YOUR WORDS!

  26. Let me get this straight... by Sebby · · Score: 1

    I get to pay to buy a device that will then rape my privacy?

    I don't think I can say "Oh fuck NO!" fast enough.

    --

    AC comments get piped to /dev/null
  27. Make you're friends' day... by Grog6 · · Score: 4, Funny

    The next time you're at their house, ask their device about a wide ranging sea of dubious products for erectile dysfunction, herpes cremes, Hep C vaccines, and various porn acts, mostly dubious or illegal:

    "Is sodomy legal in my state?" (Address lookup, law database, etc)
    "Is sex with animals..." (Same as above)
    "Horse-human STD's..." (Medical database lookup, crossreferences galore)
    "Will anal hurt my..." (Lots of databases, medical, legal, etc.)
    "How do I..." (Depending, law enforcement may tag them, and other databases will now see them)

    It's best if it's in a different room, but you can ask a lot of things before they throw you out. :)

    Yes, I used to read Phrack, lol.

    Disclaimer: No one I know will have one of these in their home.

    --
    Truth isn't Truth - Guliani
  28. shocking! by Hugh+Jorgen · · Score: 1

    If you build it the sheep will buy it, not only monetarily but wholeheartedly.

  29. Extra big ads by AHuxley · · Score: 1

    More ad innovation between all the banning of accounts.

    --
    Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
  30. Ha ha ha ha by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

    "No data collected through Portal -- even call log data or app usage data, like the fact that you listened to Spotify -- will be used to target users with ads on Facebook."

    Ha ha ha, and if you believe one single word of that weapons-grade horseshit, I have some beachfront property on the Moon that I'd like to sell you.

    Trust me, kids- EVERY BIT of the data collected through Portal will be used to target you and everyone else with ads on some platform, including Facebook.

    --
    Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  31. You don't say! by ilsaloving · · Score: 1

    Facebook is going to use it's purchased products to harvest your personal information?

    I cannot believe Facebook would double-dip like that! I'm shocked!

    (Yes, that was sarcasm)

  32. API misuse by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

    Future statement from Facebook: "Some Facebook partners have been found to have misused an API to capture live audio and video data from a small* number of users"
    * small being any number less than the number of devices manufactured"

  33. They could, but... by aybiss · · Score: 2

    While I'm sure they'll market it to the advertisers as something they could do, they will still face the basic problem with targeting ads that is already faced even when the user knowingly submits information on themselves in a computer-friendly format:

    1 - It will still be seen as noise on the screen and not even noticed most of the time

    2 - It will still not cause people to actually spend money even when they do see it

    3 - It will still only be as targeted as "male -> sell viagra", which is where they've been since the 90s

    The biggest lie that advertising ever sold was the idea that advertising even works.

    --
    It's OK Bender, there's no such thing as 2.
  34. When I can teabag Zuckerberg ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    When I can teabag Zuckerberg in times square, ass fuck him, and get paid a billion dollars for it, then I might own one of these.

    But until then, I assure you that any product which has direct tie-ins to Facebook will not receive my money.

    I block them at the DNS layer, and via privacy extensions.

    I wouldn't wipe my ass with a manual for a product with links to Facebook, let alone use it.

    1. Re: When I can teabag Zuckerberg ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I block them with my hosts file.

  35. Still ''the dumb ph*(ks'' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This, after all the courtroom humbleness, just shows they got some nerve and still keep same opinion about their users. Anyone buying such would be rather dumb as you get on the Big Brother show without getting any popularity, just some random squanchers at right places squeeking while watching you.

  36. Not me by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I am grateful not to have to worry about this, or Facebook getting hacked or any of the other nonsense. Ah, here is to the Facebook free life!

  37. Re: c6gunner IMPERSONATING me again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Democrat Party troll-farmer David Brock loves diddling kiddies in his basement.

  38. Facebook in 'creepy product' shocker by Maritz · · Score: 1

    Give those creepy fuckers fuck all. Avoid this shit like the plague.

    --
    I do not want your cheap brainburning drugs. They are useless for work. And I am a working man today.
  39. *vomit* by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    *vomit*

  40. Re:c6gunner IMPERSONATING me again? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    HA! You think you got it bad? There's some other guy named Anonymous Coward who's constantly impersonating me all over Slashdot!