Facebook: The Business of Web Ads and Data Processing

Abstract

This paper focuses on user information on the internet, specifically that which is available to Meta along with a review of how it is obtained and classified for marketing. Privacy policies and cookies for purposes other than those of the consumer along with the scandals and controversies surrounding this. A review of the historical context to get to the great power available to the company, the regulations that accompany this process and its hardening in the wake of events in which Meta has been involved. Highlighting the voluminous data leak by Cambridge Analytica through its association with Facebook for subsequent use for political purposes among others. And the consequences of this. Followed by a review of the European framework and the direction it decides to take in the near future with regard to the rapid advances in technology and the need to protect people in their browsing on the web. Finally, a reflection on the reality we live in, the misinformation, numerous empty stimuli accompanied by unnecessary consumerism and how unprotected we really are. In order to give our time and security the importance it deserves.