Thread by @justinhendrix

NEW @techpolicypress: Meta Fires a Warning Shot Against Police Surveillance, But It Must Do More

Documents obtained by the @BrennanCenter reveal @LAPDHQ violated platform policies to surveil activists, citizens, write @RachelBLevinson & @marypatdwyer:
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"... it’s significant that Meta, Facebook’s parent company, recently wrote to the Los Angeles Police Department demanding that its officers cease the use of Facebook for surveillance and signaling stronger measures in the future."
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"Meta’s letter to the LAPD affirmed that the use of fake accounts violates its terms of service. The company also demanded more generally that the LAPD cease collection of data for surveillance purposes." techpolicy.press/meta-fires-a-w…

"While Meta’s letter is an important first step, it must not be the company’s last. To date, the company has been more aggressive in acting against academic researchers studying misinformation with users’ consent than with developers collaborating with law enforcement agencies."

"Meta could go even further by limiting or banning the LAPD’s use of Facebook, much as the platform has done with other violators, to the extent possible without unduly hampering Angelenos’ ability to communicate with the police department."
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"We are gratified that our transparency efforts – and our litigation battle with the LAPD – helped elicit Meta’s important letter. To be more than an empty threat, however, it must be followed by action."

More by @RachelBLevinson & @marypatdwyer here: techpolicy.press/meta-fires-a-w…