Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- allocate / ˈæl əˌkeɪt / (v) – to set aside something for a specific purpose
Example:The government allocated $5 billion for its infrastructure projects.
- expenditure / ɪkˈspɛn dɪ tʃər / (n) – money that someone spends on something
Example:The CEO is under investigation for his very high travel expenditures last year.
- consent / kənˈsɛnt / (n) – permission or agreement to something
Example:Before anyone shares your personal data, he or she should ask for your consent.
- allegedly / əˈlɛdʒ ɪd li / (adv) – believed to be true but not yet proven
Example:According to the report, the suspect allegedly stole the money from the woman’s purse.
- dent / dɛnt / (v) – to decrease something
Example:The company’s profits were dented by a lawsuit that required them to pay millions of dollars.
Article
Read the text below.
Facebook may have to pay billions of dollars for violating its agreement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC is currently investigating a suspected data breach involving Facebook in 2016. Depending on the results of the investigation, the tech company predicts that it could end up paying a fine that costs about $3 billion to $5 billion. Because of this, Facebook has already allocated $3 billion from the company’s first quarter profit for legal expenditures related to the case.
Under Facebook’s agreement with the FTC, the company promised to not divulge its users’ personal information to anyone without consent. However, it was discovered that Facebook may have breached the agreement back in 2016, leading to the current investigation.
Allegedly, Facebook allowed UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica to illegally collect data from users without the company’s knowledge. The data was believed to have been used by some politicians to influence the 2016 elections’ results. Using the vast amounts of data from unsuspecting Facebook users, these politicians created campaign materials meant to gain voters’ support.
In line with Facebook’s involvement in data scandals, the company has been facing a surge in its expenditures. Aside from the FTC fine, investments in infrastructures and initiatives for better security are also denting the company’s profits.
Last March, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the social media site’s transition to a more secured and private environment. He assured site users that the company is continually working to improve its privacy policies and avoid future issues.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• How do you think Facebook’s involvement in the scandals would affect its users and investors? Discuss.
• Do you think Facebook’s current efforts to improve its platform are enough to clear its name of past scandals? Why or why not?
Discussion B
• What are the possible risks or threats that may arise from the leakage of personal data? Discuss.
• What do you think consumers should do if their personal data were exposed or used illegally? Explain.