Facebook started to recommend some time ago its own VPN system through applications for iPhone and Android, it being included in a special section called Protect, the company telling users that by using it they can surf the Internet safely. What Facebook doesn't say is that this system is used to spy on people who install the former Onavo app, which requires the installation of a special profile to use the VPN network.
Facebook collects all the information transmitted through Onavo's VPN servers, since it owns the application, so whatever we access on the Internet is known to the American company, some of these data collections being disclosed. However, Facebook does not specify very clearly the fact that it spies on users when they are NOT connected to the VPN network, the company receiving information about the mobile phone network to which we are connected, the language used on the phone and even when we open or block the phones.
"I found that Onavo Protect uses a Packet Tunnel Provider app extension, which should consistently run for as long as the VPN is connected, in order to periodically send the following data to Facebook (graph.facebook.com) as the user goes about their day: When the user's mobile device screen is turned on and turned off. Total daily cellular data usage in bytes (Even when VPN is turned off). Periodic beacon containing an "uptime" to indicate how long the VPN has been connected."
Facebook is spying on you all the time after tricking you into installing its VPN network
Facebook encrypts all the information regarding the blocking and unlocking of the phones, together with others collected, but the big problem is that all this data is also collected when we are not connected to its VPN network. Normally those at Facebook should not have access to such data regardless of whether we use their VPN network or not, and how it exploited the iOS APIs to be able to collect this kind of information is something Apple should to explain.
"When people download Onavo Protect to help secure their connection, we are clear about the information we collect and how it is used. Like other VPNs, Protect acts as a secure connection including when people are on public Wi-Fi. As part of this process, Onavo receives their mobile data traffic. This helps us improve and operate the Onavo service. Because we're part of Facebook, we also use this information to improve Facebook products and services. We let people know about this activity and other ways that Onavo uses, analyzes, and shares data before they download it. We also regularly review our apps and make updates based on feedback from people."
Facebook defends itself by saying that people know what to expect when they install the Onavo Protect application on their phones, but also that this collection of information is intended to improve the VPN service itself. Of course, Facebook is lying by omission, because the information on blocking and unlocking smartphones has nothing to do with improving a VPN network, but the American company wants to have total control over its users.
