Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Facebook Used VPN as Surveillance Engine to Spy on Users
Facebook, now called Meta, bought a VPN app called Onavo that seemed to protect your data, but secretly watched what apps you used and websites you visited.
They used this information to spy on competitors like Snapchat.
When Onavo was shut down, they made another app to do the same thing.
They even paid people, including teens, to install the app.
The company got in trouble with authorities and was fined because it misled people about how their data was being used.
Facebook acquired Onavo, a VPN app, which secretly monitored user activity.
Onavo collected data on app usage, websites visited, and user behavior.
Facebook used this data to analyze competitors like Snapchat, even attempting to decrypt their traffic.
After Onavo was banned, Facebook launched a similar program called Facebook Research.
Meta (formerly Facebook) faced legal consequences, including fines, for misleading users.
- Who
- Facebook (Meta) used the Onavo and Facebook Research apps to collect user data.
- What
- Facebook used a VPN app (Onavo) to monitor user activity and gather data for competitive analysis.
- When
- Facebook acquired Onavo in 2013, and faced legal issues in 2020 and 2023.
- Where
- The events occurred primarily online and involved the use of apps on user devices globally.
- Why
- Facebook aimed to identify trends, understand competitors, and maintain dominance in the social media market.
Users/Regulators
Data Collection
Data collection was essential for competitive analysis and product development.
Users/Regulators
User data was misused; Privacy was not respected.
- Company Involved
- Facebook (Meta)
- App Name 1
- Onavo
- App Function
- VPN and data monitoring
- Targeted Apps
- Snapchat, YouTube, Amazon
- Legal Action
- Fine of AUD 20 million
- Similar App
- Facebook Research (Project Atlas)