Will the launch of Portal smart screen by Facebook take off amidst Spying and mishandling of users’ privacy accusations against the social media?
Facebook has joined the arms race of bringing smart devices powered by Artificial Intelligence into your homes. Dubbed, Portal, it is a video chat interface on steroid equipped with Alexa. Though it does look good!
Considering the kind of headway, Google has been making into that space; it is only fair that Facebook too follows suit and try not be left behind on the next front of data mining. With Google Home, the search engine giant (which makes the bulk of its profits from advertising) has been harnessing users’ data. Facebook too, as a competing advertising platform, is keen on making headway into this space. Though I doubt the company would want you to dwell on that fact.
When you consider the fact that Facebook has come under fire several times with claims of putting user’s privacy into jeopardy. The most notable ones being the huge data breach to Cambridge Analytica. Then there was the very recent September breach, where hackers managed to steal tokens used to authenticate users identity on Facebook.
Now, Facebook wants us to use its Portal smart screen. It must have preempted its past will take no time to catch up, and people start asking questions. To allay your fears, the Portal has a built-in cover over the camera so that you don’t get uneasy that it is recording you without your consent.
Even the landing page of the Portal, Facebook goes to depth to explain itself that it is not spying on you. It now remains a matter of do you (the general consumers) believe Facebook when it says the new smart screen is not meant to spy on you, but connect you with family and friends with ease.