Facebook secretly activates front-facing camera for ads

In a new patent, Facebook would use a mobile device's front-facing camera to display ads based on users' emotions.

According to the description, the new invention aims to "create friendliness and closeness" for users by sending them suitable ads based on their emotions. To do so, Facebook will secretly activate the front camera on smartphones, tablets or webcams on laptops to monitor the behavior of people using its services.

Users can be tracked by Facebook via the front camera.

Specifically, when a user accesses Facebook, the camera will scan that person's face in real time and display appropriate advertisements. If that person is happy, the screen will play funny, humorous advertisements; if bored, the advertisements will focus on displaying products that have been viewed, the purpose is to focus on that and forget the sadness.

Facebook says that display ads will not appear if users have previously dismissed them. Depending on the level of interest, the frequency of ads appearing will also vary.

However, according to IBTimes, this patent may again encounter a backlash from users about privacy, similar to the previous invention about "passive imaging data". According to CB Insights' description, this is an invention that helps "capture the user's facial image through the mobile device camera even when the user does not actively turn on the camera" to suggest content to the user.

Mark's laptop has a camera and microphone attached.

Previously, CEO Mark Zuckerberg himself was also concerned about the issue of peeping and eavesdropping when in the posted photo, he covered the front camera and microphone with tape. However, it seems that in his products, he makes the most of monitoring through these parts.

According to VNE