It’s ‘fair’ that Facebook took time to look into data scandal, says advertising CEO
Google and Facebook must ‘step up to the mark’ because they’re not merely technology companies, says WPP’s Martin Sorrell
By Yen Nee Lee and Martin Soong
It was “fair” that Facebook took time to look into the data misuse allegations surrounding consultancy Cambridge Analytica given how complex the issue was, the chief executive of the world’s largest advertising group said Monday.
Martin Sorrell, CEO and founder of WPP , made those comments after the social media giant was criticised for not responding quicker to allegations and informing users of the alleged leak earlier.
“I think it was fair that they spent time looking at what exactly happened. It’s quite complex the issue they’re at,” Sorrell told CNBC at the China Development Forum .
“Firstly, they’ve been misled so ... they’re responding to that, trying to make sure it doesn’t happen again. They’re looking at all the possibilities,” he added.
The issue of data privacy came under the limelight after Cambridge Analytica was said to have improperly obtained users’ information from Facebook. The firm has said it helped elect U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016.