Australia watchdog sues Facebook over ‘misleading’ VPN app


The ACCC alleges Facebook and its two partners falsely represented the now-defunct VPN service as keeping user data ‘private, protected and secret’ between February 2016 and October 2017. — Reuters

SYDNEY: Australia’s consumer watchdog launched legal action against Facebook on Dec 16, alleging the social media giant “misled” thousands of Australians by collecting user data from a free VPN service advertised as private.

The platform could face a fine if found guilty of deceiving users, as Australia takes an increasingly assertive stance towards powerful US tech titans.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Australia

Next In Tech News

China says it’s probing Trip.com over alleged antitrust conduct
Microsoft says will foot AI's massive power bill
Inside the scam complex’s detailed playbook
At this office park, scamming the world was the business
Ancient Rome meets modern technology as tourists visit restored, frescoed home via livestream tours
Apple bundles creative apps into US$13-a-month subscription
Social media harms teens, watchdog warns, as France weighs ban
How AI 'deepfakes' became Elon Musk's latest scandal
Britain seeks 'reset' in copyright battle between AI and creators
French regulator says some crypto firms unresponsive as EU licence deadline approaches

Others Also Read