Observed Signal · Mar 14, 2019 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Facebook Probed Again Over Data Sharing With Tech Firms
US federal prosecutors have opened a new investigation into Facebook's data-sharing deals with technology giants, scrutinizing how user data was exchanged with partners. The New York Times reports that at least two prominent smartphone manufacturers gained access to hundreds of millions of personal data through such deals, with more than 150 brands implicated including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and Sony. The deals reportedly allowed access to users' friends and contact information, raising questions about consent. Separately, the Federal Trade Commission has been examining whether Facebook violated a 2011 settlement and negotiators are discussing potential penalties that could reach billions. Facebook says it is cooperating, has provided public testimony, and will continue to assist investigators as the reviews proceed.
Regulatory probes into Facebook's data-sharing practices with third parties; potential billions in penalties; potential industry-wide impact on data-sharing practices.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- US federal prosecutors lead an investigation into Facebook's data-sharing deals with tech giants.
- New York Times reports that at least two prominent smartphone manufacturers gained access to hundreds of millions of users' personal data via Facebook deals.
- More than 150 brands, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and Sony, had Facebook data-sharing deals.
- FTC is examining whether Facebook violated the 2011 settlement; potential penalties could be billions.
- Facebook says it is cooperating, has provided public testimony, and will continue to cooperate with investigators.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
AWS Announces Golden Age of Science Accelerator, Commits Up to $50 Million in Cloud Credits to Support White House Expansion of Genesis Mission
AWS announces a new accelerator committing up to $50 million in cloud credits to support the White House expansion of the Genesis Mission. Other new press releases include Kodiak AI choosing AWS for autonomous trucking, Nasdaq Calypso launching agentic capabilities, and more.
Amazon launches pricier Alexa tablets, discontinues Fire line
Amazon unveiled a new line of Alexa-branded tablets (8, 11, and 12-inch models) priced between $230 and $550, replacing its budget Fire tablets. The devices feature Android OS, aluminum bodies, higher-resolution displays, and AI features like 'On-Screen Intelligence'. The company said it will continue supporting Fire devices for four years but won't manufacture new units. Amazon denied that rising memory costs drove the price increase, but devices chief Panos Panay acknowledged challenges in building premium tablets amid the shortage. The move signals a strategic shift to higher-margin hardware, aligning with CEO Andy Jassy's push to monetize devices. The tablets ship on Oct. 14.
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