Meta will start collecting "anonymized" data from its global Quest headset users to learn more about their devices, centering on various sets of information from its usage. It was reported that Meta recently informed users regarding this new venture by the company that will allow them to learn more about how the Quest wearables are used in different settings and applications.
The goal for this latest Metadata collection centers on improving the Quest, one that would help them determine areas of focus and what more to deliver for the wearable.
Meta Quest to Start Collecting 'Anonymous' Data from Headset Users
Meta's latest update to its Data Collection policy on the Quest platform highlights the need for the company to gather user information based on their usage of the headset, to improve more of its products and features. Here, Meta said that it collects "anonymized" data regarding the device's usage, and uses this information for better experiences and to improve the Quest headsets.
Anonymized Data is Meta's way of keeping the user unknown to the company, meaning that whatever kind of analytics were collected from the user, they will not be identified specifically for this.
The company detailed more of this in its Supplemental Meta Platforms Technologies Privacy Policy which talked about why it collects data from Quest users across all ages.
Meta also sent an email this Monday regarding this Quest data collection proceedings.
Meta Wants Headset Usage, Events, and More Information
Examples of Meta's data collection on Quest centers on how a person uses the headset based on their hand, body, eye tracking, camera information, and their physical environment while using the device. Additionally, Meta is also looking at the VR events they attend online, alongside audio data and microphone preferences, fitness-related information, voice interactions, and more.
Meta, a.k.a. Facebook's Infamous Data Collection
Past years were a testament to how Facebook, now Meta, had a notoriety within the global tech industry for its massive access to user data and their online activity, with many protesting against this access. One of the most significant boycotts against Meta was when WhatsApp changed its privacy policy that it would share user data with Facebook, causing users to find alternatives.
Throughout the years and across Meta's platforms, it has been subjected to several antitrust and security cases which allege that the company violates user privacy on its platforms. The likes of the United States, United Kingdom, and the EU have all launched their lawsuits against Meta for this "exploitative" access to user data, despite previous sanctions against them.
From Facebook down to its latest social media platform, Threads, Meta found itself at the wrong end of the stick and is subjected to massive disputes for user data access and exploitation. Despite these massive scrutinies against them, Meta is back at it again with its data collection, now for the Quest platform, looking into anonymized data to help them improve the headsets in the future.
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