Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippinegovernment launched an investigation into the breach of data of its citizenswho use Facebook, after a massive leak of user information to British politicalconsultancy Cambridge Analytica.
The country’s National Privacy Commission sent aletter to Mark Zuckerberg requiring the Facebook CEO to submit to thegovernment body documents relevant to the processing of Facebook data ofaffected Filipinos, and how personal data is generally shared with thirdparties using the platform, said the Government of the Philippines on April 13.
A copy of the letter, which was released to the press,said the investigation will look into whether there is unauthorised processingof personal data of Filipinos. Some 1.18 million Filipino Facebook users mayhave been affected by this incident, the letter noted, adding that it isalarming and “may be a symptom of a deeper problem that could pose risks toFilipino Facebook users”.
“The Philippines has exceeded user growth projectionsand now has more than 67 million active Facebook users. It is our duty toprotect the data privacy interests of these users, and to provide those affectedwith avenues for redress,” the commission said.
Facebook has said personal data of 87 millionusers around the world may have been improperly shared withCambridge Analytica, including 70.6 million from the US. Other countries with asignificant number of affected users include the United Kingdom, Mexico,Canada, India, Brazil and India.
Due to the scandal, Zuckerberg had to endure hours of questioningduring the testimonies before the US Senate and House of Representatives thisweek.-VNA
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