This article in The Register [1] reported that Meta's apps (specifically Facebook and Instagram) on Android devices were secretly opening network ports on users' phones as part of a "localhost tracking" technique to covertly link web browsing activity to user identities, bypassing standard privacy protections like incognito mode, VPNs, and cookie clearing. This practice was uncovered by security researchers in early June 2025 and had been ongoing since at least September 2024.

Whatever needed to enhance data collection for advertising purposes will be done. Privacy violations of users may not get a priority when it comes to profit driven digital surveillance. I don't think it has impacted the user base of Meta products. In India switching costs are high since WhatsApp is essential for daily life [2].

Till researchers find another violation again, it will be business as usual.

1. https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/03/meta_pauses_android_tracking_tech/
2. https://www.vox.com/recode/2022/8/24/23320183/india-whatsapp-meta-land-of-the-giants-mark-zuckerberg

#Meta #Facebook #Instagram #DigitalSurveillance #Privacy #MastodonIndians #MastIndia #India

As it stands currently, my contract for working on the #SchleswigHolstein #Linux #Desktop project will end on June 30th (due to internal organizational challenges). If you, your government (#Denmark?), your NGO, your company is interested in #Desktop #EnterpriseLinux expertise, please get in touch with us: https://freiesoftware.gmbh

And for those who don't know yet: We love Debian GNU/Linux for Enterprise Linux setups.

https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/politisk-flertal-afviser-borgerforslag-om-stop-vaabenhandel-med-israel

Shame, shame on the Danish parliament that with open eyes allows to supply weapons to the Israeli genocide of people in Palestine. Oh how ashamed I am to be Danish #freegaza #dkpol