Meta and the Center for Open Science (COS) are launching a research project to analyse user wellbeing on social media, a milestone in data research and behavioural analysis. This pilot project offers selected researchers access to privacy-compliant engagement data from Facebook and Instagram to better understand user behaviour and explore user wellbeing๐คณ.
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Focus on user wellbeing & influence
The research focuses on the impact of social media on behavioural trends and is subject to a rigorous peer review process. This enables productive discussions on how user wellbeing can be improved ๐.
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Cambridge Analytica scandal
Following the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, Meta restricted its research collaborations and tightened data security measures to prevent data breaches ๐ฐ. The record $5bn fine by the FTC led to new privacy policies and measures to prevent similar abuses in the future.
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Opportunities and challenges
Despite the incident, Cambridge-Analytica remains an important source of scientific knowledge due to its global user base ๐. The renewed collaboration with academic groups under stricter data protection conditions demonstrates Meta’s commitment to scientific progress and the protection of user privacy ๐ฉโ๐ป.
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Outlook for pilot project
๐คThe Meta-COS partnership is for two years, with the possibility of further details in the coming months. This agreement is a significant step for Meta, as it shows that the company wants to utilise its data volume for positive scientific purposes while learning from previous mistakes. The results could shape future collaboration between the company and the academic world ๐.
