After Latest Privacy Allegations, Pallone Tells Facebook, Device Makers to Prepare Testimony

Facebook and data-sharing partners like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Samsung should prepare to testify so lawmakers can better understand “the entire data collection ecosystem,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., Monday after a New York Times report that Facebook “reached data-sharing partnerships with at least 60 device makers” over the past decade. “It’s deeply concerning that Facebook continues to withhold critical details,” said the House Commerce Committee ranking member. Facebook Vice President-Product Partnerships Ime Archibong said the partnerships let the platform keep pace with technology and ensure access across devices: “These partners signed agreements that prevented people’s Facebook information from being used for any other purpose than to recreate Facebook-like experiences.” Contrary to the Times narrative, “friends’ information, like photos, was only accessible on devices when people made a decision to share their information with those friends,” Archibong wrote, saying Facebook isn't aware of any abuse by partners. Public Knowledge Policy Counsel Allie Bohm asked that the FTC investigate whether the partnerships violated a consent decree. An FTC spokeswoman declined to comment.