Happn, and Other Brands Accused of Misusing Data to Advertise on Facebook

VICE - June 16 - An investigation by Privacy International (PI) showed that some companies are advertising on Facebook using the data of people they have never interacted with. In October of 2019, PI began an investigation - published today - into advertisers that upload their customers' personal data to Facebook, using the site's "Download Your Information" (DYI) tool. Brands, found to have uploaded user data to Facebook without individuals' consent or knowledge, included the dating app Happn and artists associated with the Universal Music Group. In response, Happn admitted that one PI staff member's information was still in a database shared with Facebook, when it should have been removed. Otherwise, they said that if Privacy International "requesters have seen Happn promoted content on Facebook while they were in the restriction list, it was not under any particular instructions from Happn". Facebook also blamed outside parties. The PI report also claims Facebook makes it difficult for users to seek information about companies using and profiting from their personal data.