Facebook will explain more clearly in its terms and conditions what it does with data

In its terms of use, Facebook will explain, among other things, which data is used by the service for targeted advertising and that the service is therefore free. It will also take responsibility for where that data ends up and what is done with it.

Facebook is doing this after pressure from the European Commission, which asked the social network to be more transparent and comply with consumer protection laws after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Cambridge obtained a variety of user profiles under false pretenses which it then used to place targeted political advertisements in the context of the 2016 US presidential election.

The rules for the retention of content that the user has deleted will also be adjusted. This should only be possible in specific cases, such as when requested by an authority or for technical reasons, and no longer than 90 days. Furthermore, Facebook will make clearer in the terms and conditions that it is possible to appeal against removal of posted content by Facebook.

Finally, the terms and conditions will state that Facebook can no longer adjust them in favor of the company, unless this is reasonable and does not go against the interests of the consumer.

The conditions must be introduced on the social network by the end of June, Vera Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, announced on the European Commission’s website. Facebook informs TechCrunch that the changes to the terms and conditions will apply worldwide, so users outside the EU will also benefit in this case.