Facebook: Portal screen data can be used for advertisements

Facebook says data from its recently announced Portal screen can be used to show ads within its other services. Previously, the company said it wouldn’t. It says it’s a possibility, but there are no plans.

A Facebook spokesperson shared the information in response to questions from Recode. The site wrote in its recent announcement of the Portal devices based on information from Facebook that the company would not use data from the screens to show users targeted information on Facebook. However, the company is now coming back to this and stating that in principle that data can be used to show targeted advertisements on other Facebook platforms.

A spokesperson tells Recode that, for example, users can use Messenger for video calling on a Portal device, where the company collects the same information it normally collects when using the service. This includes, for example, the length of a call and the number of calls. The use of apps on the Portal screens can also be collected in aggregate form, according to the spokesperson.

Recode spoke to Rafa Camargo, who is responsible for Portal at Facebook. He allegedly apologized for providing incorrect information. According to the site, he also stated that the data can in principle be used for targeted advertisements, but that he does not know whether this will actually happen.

Facebook announced two Portal screens last week, which feature speakers, microphones and cameras. Users can use it to make video calls and use various apps, such as Spotify. A 10″ and a 15″ variant will be available. The cameras can be covered and switched off, the latter also applies to the microphone.