Facebook is being investigated by Indonesian police regarding a data breach and being fined $33.4 million by a Brazilian Judge, as per reports of today, April 6. While the social media giant is busy coming up with advanced security measures for users every now and then, it is still going through turmoil from governments regarding similar scenarios.
Indonesian Communications Minister Rudiantara asked National Police Chief Tito Karnavian to investigate Facebook’s improper share of personal data. The social media said earlier that the data of millions of Indonesian users had been obtained by Cambridge Analytica, a British political consultant. The minister previously threatened Facebook with a shutdown.
Facebook employees in Indonesia may as well face 12 years of imprisonment and a fine of about 12 billion rupiahs or $871,000 if found guilty as per Indonesian privacy laws. As we covered already, Facebook said that their data access restrictions had been made stricter.
We will continue to work with privacy and information commissioners all over the world, including KOMINFO. – Spokesperson of the company
On the other hand, Brazil is charging Facebook a fine of BRL 111.7 million, or about Rs. 217 crores, for failing to aid in a corruption investigation. Federal prosecutors stated that the company had been exploring legal options instead of cooperating. Facebook said this is groundless and will continue exploring legal options anyway.
Facebook cooperates with law enforcement. In this particular case we have disclosed the data required by applicable law. We understand this fine lacks grounds, and are exploring all legal options at our disposal. – Facebook
A similar charge of the fine was issued by the Judge in April 2016 when asked Facebook to share WhatsApp messages that are ‘exchanged by individuals under investigation for defrauding the health care system of Brazil’s Amazonas state.’
We do hope that Facebook immediately comes out of the legal issues. Stay tuned to be updated on the matter.
