Facebook in the near future will pay users on to monitor how they use their phone and their data on different apps through a new app ‘Study.’ Facebook says, the app will track and monitor apps installed on a user’s phone, the time they spent on those apps, the country you are in and other additional app data that could reveal specific features you’re using.
The social media giant won’t access your messages, passwords, and websites you visit.
Here’s how it works.
Facebook will run ads to encourage people to participate in this market research programme. When someone clicks on an ad, they’ll have the option to register and, if they qualify, they’ll be invited to download the app. Once invited, they’ll find the Study from Facebook app in the Google Play Store.
As they sign up, people will see a description of how the app works and what information they’ll be sharing with us so they can confirm they want to participate. We also notify users on the Study from Facebook website and in the Play Store description about what information we collect and how it will be used. This is all accessible before participants provide any market research information to the app.
‘Anyone who uses the app will be compensated for contributing to the research. Only people who are 18 and older will be eligible to participate at launch, and all participants will be able to opt out at any time,’ Facebook said in a blog post.
How Facebook collects information?
With this app, Facebook will collect minimum amount of information needed and will periodically remind participants that they are a part of the programme. They’ll also have the opportunity to review the information they’re sharing with us.
Study from Facebook does not collect user IDs, passwords, or any of the participant’s content, such as photos, videos, or messages.
‘We also don’t sell information from the app to third parties or use it to target ads, and it is not added to a participant’s Facebook account if they have one,’ the company said.
At first, the app will only be available to people in the US and India.
