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By Bob Weaver
While the US government created its own massive survielence nation following 9-11, invading what Americans once treasured as their privacy rights, Congress is set to have a hearing with Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, regarding Facebook's collection and sale of millions of Americans personal information.
It is part of the new normal.
The congressional hearings will likely be more political theater than related to public policy. The so-called "optics" â how things look â are important.
They will be "tough" on Zuckerburg.
Facebook now says it is restricting the user data it allows outsiders to access as part of steps it's taking to address the fallout from its worst privacy crisis in years.
Facebook has been reeling from news that a Trump-affiliated data-mining firm Cambridge Analytica used ill-gotten data from millions of users to try to influence his election.
It is part of the new normal.
Facebook now says as many as 87 million people may have had their data accessed â an increase from the 50 million disclosed in published reports.
Facebook says is restricting access that apps can get about users' events, as well as information about groups such as member lists and content.
In addition, the company says it is removing the option to search for users by entering a phone number or an email address.
There appears to be minimal concern about Cambridge Analytica, the data-mining firm affiliated with President Donald Trump's campaign, which has been accused of using ill-gotten data from Facebook users to try to influence Trump's election.
It is part of the new normal.
American's will still love their Facebook, and Trump supporters don't mind.
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