March 20th, 2024

Hacked! Don't Be a Social Media Sitting Duck!

Meta has been told to pull their socks up
California and NY are Among the states calling for stronger measures against Facebook and Instagram account takeovers
In a major blow to Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, attorneys general from 41 US states have penned a scathing letter demanding stricter measures to combat account hacking. The letter accuses Meta of failing to adequately protect users and criticises its reliance on automated account recovery systems.
A Frustrating Recovery Process:
"We refuse to operate as the customer service representatives of your company," the letter states, highlighting the difficulties users face in regaining control of hacked accounts.  Many users report a frustrating and time-consuming process, often relying on automated systems with limited success.
States Demand Action:
The letter urges Meta to take immediate action on two fronts:

• Invest in Stronger Security: The attorneys general call for a significant increase in resources dedicated to preventing account takeovers in the first place. This could involve implementing more sophisticated security measures and proactively identifying potential hacking attempts.
  
• Improve User Support: The states demand a user-friendly and efficient system for account recovery. This includes readily available customer service representatives equipped to assist users who have fallen victim to hacking.
  

A Growing Problem:
Account takeovers have become a significant concern for social media users. Hackers can wreak havoc on compromised accounts, using them to spread misinformation, scam others, or damage the victim's reputation.  The attorneys general emphasise the urgency of the situation, highlighting the increasing number of complaints they have received from frustrated users.
What's Next for Meta?
Meta has yet to publicly respond to the letter. However, with mounting pressure from a significant portion of the US, the company is likely to face increased scrutiny over its account security practices. Whether Meta will implement the significant changes demanded by the states remains to be seen. In the meantime, users are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to secure their social media accounts.

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