Facebook leaks 500 million account information, Privacy Office launches compliance review and calls on users to change passwords

Social News

Written by: Kong Fanxu

2021-04-04 19:09

Last update date: 2021-04-04 19:14

The social platform Facebook was revealed to have leaked the data of more than 500 million users, of which 2.93 million Hong Kong users were affected.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong pointed out today (4th) that it has contacted Facebook's Hong Kong office, has launched a compliance review, and notified affected users as soon as possible to reduce risks.

The Privacy Commissioner Zhong Liling urged users to be vigilant and guard against theft of personal information. If in doubt, they can inquire or complain to the Office.

The Privacy Office stated that it has launched a regulatory review on Facebook's suspected leak of user information.

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The Privacy Office said today that it has noticed media reports that the personal information of Facebook users is suspected of being leaked, involving nearly 3 million Hong Kong users. Taking into account the suspected leaked personal information including names, Facebook IDs, email addresses, phone numbers, Location, date of birth, personal resume, etc. The Privacy Office has contacted Facebook and sent a letter to initiate a compliance review of the incident, including understanding the details of the data leakage, the number of Hong Kong customers affected by the incident, and the personal information involved. Facebook has been reminded to notify affected users as soon as possible to reduce the risk of data leakage.

Do not accept invitations to make friends who do not know or are not sure of their identity

The Privacy Commissioner Zhong Liling urged relevant social media users to be vigilant and guard against the theft of personal information. If users suspect that their personal information has been leaked, they can contact the relevant platform for inquiries, or to the Privacy Office for inquiries or complaints.

The Privacy Office recommends that users consider changing their passwords; enabling two-factor authentication; paying attention to unusual login records, and not accepting friend invitations from people who do not know or are not sure of their identity.

Chung Lai Ling continued that the Privacy Office will issue guidelines on the use of social media and instant messaging software within the day to further remind users how to reduce related privacy risks.

US media "Business Insider" (Business Insider) reported yesterday (3rd) that the personal data of more than 500 million Facebook users, including names, phone numbers and emails, were uploaded to a hacker website for free browsing.

US media "Business Insider" (Business Insider) reported yesterday (3rd) that the personal data of more than 500 million Facebook users, including names, phone numbers and emails, were uploaded to a hacker website for free browsing.

The relevant information involves 106 countries and regions around the world, of which 2.93 million Hong Kong accounts are also affected.

Facebook responded that the relevant information is old information, related to the leak in 2019, and the system was repaired in August of that year.

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