IMF to File Lawsuit against Facebook over Privacy Breaches

Litigation funder IMF Bentham Ltd. (IMF.AX) is preparing to potentially sue social media giant Facebook Inc. in Australia over its sharing of users’ data with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
The world’s largest social network said in April that data of up to 87 million people ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica, which was employed by Donald Trump’s 2016 US presidential campaign.

In Australia, more than 311,000 users data may have been used without authorisation, Facebook said in April, when Australia’s Information Commissioner, the country’s privacy regulator, began to investigate.

IMF said it had complained to the Australian Information Commissioner alleging breaches of privacy laws over the data sharing.

“A class action lawsuit seeking compensation for users could follow depending on the regulator’s response,’’ IMF said.

A Facebook spokesperson did not comment directly on Tuesday on the IMF’s statement.

However, she said the company was “fully co-operating with the investigation currently underway by the Australian Privacy Commissioner,” using the former name of the Information Commissioner.

The London-based consultancy Cambridge Analytica filed for bankruptcy in May and was unavailable for comment.

Download Edujandon.com News App QR-Code

Edujandon.com - 24/7 News Upda

Developer: Edujandon Enterprises

Price: Free