EPIC Seeks Facebook Communications Detailing Privacy Changes
EPIC filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seeking communications with Facebook discussing the site’s recent privacy changes. In November and December 2009, Facebook made several changes to the website’s privacy policy and settings. In response to these changes, which no longer allow users to control the visibility of certain types of information, EPIC submitted a complaint to the FTC, alleging Facebook is engaging in “unfair and deceptive practices.” Facebook spokespersons issued a statement shortly after the complaint was filed, asserting, “We discussed the privacy program with many regulators, including the F.T.C., prior to launch.” EPIC requested documents pertaining to the communications Facebook allegedly had with the federal agency. For more information, see EPIC: In re Facebook.