Facebook delays privacy policy, Dutch investigate violations

The Data Protection Authority (CBP) wants Facebook to postpone the introduction of its new privacy policy while they investigate it. The agency announced on Tuesday that they have asked Facebook in a letter not to make the changes yet. According to CBP, under the new conditions, Facebook has the right to use information an d pictures on profiles for commercial purposes. The watchdog wants to find out what the consequences are for Dutch people. A spokeswoman for the CBP said that this is only one example of the possibilities that exist in the new conditions, Nu.nl reports. She continued that the exact scope of the investigation has not yet been determined and that the regulator will look at all conditions, even those that already existed in earlier versions of the privacy policy. The new conditions will apply from January 1st to all Facebook users worldwide. Users were informed about the change within the social network from November 21st, but had no say in the matter. According to the CBP spokeswoman, the fact that there is no clear overview of the changes and that there are no Dutch contact details available to discuss the changes, are reasons to start the investigation. NU.nl reports that Facebook is "surprised and disappointed" about the investigation. The social network presented the conditions primarily as a simplification. "We are confident that the changes comply with the laws that apply." Facebook says that they regularly consult with the Irish privacy watchdog, as the European headquarters of the site is located in Dublin.