

Q&A: Is Facebook really collecting SMS and phone call data from my Android device?

Brett Molina
Facebook app on mobile phone

Facebook found itself in another data storm over the weekend following claims the social network has been collecting information on calls and text messages from Android devices.

According to a report by Ars Technica, and several accounts on Twitter, Facebook was scraping data such as call history and text messages on Android devices for years.

In a blog post published Sunday, Facebook denies logging texts and call history without permission.

This could not come at a worse time for Facebook, as they still deal with fallout from the scandal involving Cambridge Analytica and the misuse of user profile data. That scandal even pushed the company to run full-page newspaper ads apologizing.

Here's what you need to know about the latest Facebook drama.

How did this SMS thing begin?

As the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke, so did a movement to delete Facebook. Amid the backlash, many users have downloaded the archive of personal data they've shared with Facebook.

A handful of users pointed out on Twitter the Facebook data download uncovered information about them such as their call history.

What is Facebook accused of doing?

According to Ars Technica, based on independent verification and chats with multiple users, Facebook was scraping data on phone calls and text messages as far back as 2015. So far, only Android users appear affected by this.

The report suggests Facebook's ability to do this might be linked to how Android handles user permissions for apps. "Even if users didn't give that permission to Messenger, they may have given it inadvertently for years through Facebook's mobile apps — because of the way Android has handled permissions for accessing call logs in the past," Ars Technica reports.

How did Facebook respond?

In a blog post, Facebook said call and text history logging is an opt-in feature for Facebook Messenger and Facebook Lite on Android. It was first introduced in Messenger three years ago. 

"This helps you find and stay connected with the people you care about, and provides you with a better experience across Facebook," Facebook said.

Facebook said none of the data from this feature is sold to third parties, and does not collect content from phone calls or text messaging threads.

I opted in to this feature?! What if I want out?

Facebook says you can go into your settings and turn the feature off at any time.

How can I find out what data Facebook has about me?

Go to your Settings, then General. At the very bottom of the list is the option to download a copy of your Facebook data. Then you tap the green button to start your archive. The file includes everything from status updates and photos to a list of people you poked.

Why is this such a big deal?

Two words: trust issues. The Cambridge Analytica scandal left critics and users questioning how well Facebook safeguards user data. "This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time," Mark Zuckerberg said in full-page ads running in newspapers in the U.S. and U.K. It's a big reason why movements such as #deleteFacebook have been spreading.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

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