Facebook Beacon

Facebook Beacon is a controversial advertising platform from Facebook. Toted as the holy grail for advertisers it displays actions (such as purchases from partner websites) within a user's Facebook news feed.Official Press Release: Leading Websites Offer Facebook Beacon... Participating sites include Fandango, eBay, Travelocity and Blockbuster. Coca-Cola was an initial participant, but withdrew support when they discovered Facebook Beacon was not an opt-in service.The New York Times Bits Blog: Coke Is Holding Off on...Beacon (November 30, 2007) On December 7, 2007, Facebook allowed its users to turn Beacon off completely if they so desire.Fox News: Facebook...Lets Members Turn Off 'Beacon' Completely (December 6, 2007)

The first lawsuit against Facebook Beacon was reported on TechCrunch on April 17, 2008. The plaintiff is a woman from Texas who is suing Blockbuster for violating the Video Tape Protection Act by using people's images and purchase information without their permission.TechCrunch: First Facebook Beacon Lawsuit Hits Blockbuster (April 17, 2008) A class action lawsuit was issued on August 12, 2008, in California's North District Court.TechCrunch: Facebook...Another Lawsuit Over Beacon... (August 14, 2008) The lawsuit states, "The Beacon program sent information regarding specific user transactions on Facebook Beacon Activated Affiliates' websites to Facebook regardless of whether the user was a Facebook member or not. Thus, no consent was sought, nor was any consent obtained from persons who utilize the Facebook Beacon Activated Affiliate's website who were not Facebook members..."TechCrunch: Facebook...Another Lawsuit Over Beacon... (August 14, 2008) Beacon affiliates such as Blockbuster, Fandango and Overstock.com are also included in the clash action lawsuit.TechCrunch: Facebook...Another Lawsuit Over Beacon... (August 14, 2008)