From EPIC.org:
EPIC filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), seeking communications with Facebook discussing the site’s recent privacy changes. In November and December 2009, Facebook made several changes to the website’s privacy policy and settings. In response to these changes, which no longer allow users to control the visibility of certain types of information, EPIC submitted a complaint to the FTC, alleging Facebook is engaging in “unfair and deceptive practices.” Facebook spokespersons issued a statement shortly after the complaint was filed, asserting, “We discussed the privacy program with many regulators, including the F.T.C., prior to launch.” EPIC requested documents pertaining to the communications Facebook allegedly had with the federal agency.
It will be very interesting to see what comes out of the freedom of information request.
Many organisations seem to be in the habit of mentioning strong, powerful or credible people or organisations in media releases in the hope that some of that credibility rubs off on the matter at hand.
I wonder if it is the case that Facebook’s discussions with the FTC were nothing more than cursory, with Facebook then trying to convey the impression of approval by the FTC.