As Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg came under the scrutiny of the US Senate this week, the matter at the heart of the investigation into his company was big data: its collection, protection, distribution and monetisation. We now know that between 2010 and 2015, as Facebook placed its focus on aggressive growth, the data of its users was being scooped up by third parties. More disturbingly, the information that was harvested was not limited to users whose consent had been procured. It extended to all their connections, affecting tens of millions of Facebook users, whose data ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica.
The questions thrown at Mr Zuckerberg by the 44 largely elderly senators, however, revealed how out of touch they were as they bombarded him with queries that showed many struggled to get their heads around basic technology. This raises an important issue: if potential lawmakers cannot grasp the significance of big data, how can they possibly legislate on how to regulate it?
What was squandered was an opportunity to probe Mr Zuckerberg about the protection and future of that data. Facebook and other technology giants are behemoths that businesses small and large depend on for targeted advertising. There is the question of who is qualified to serve as a regulator. Evidently, tech companies have failed to self-regulate and lawmakers do not seem to have enough expertise to act as competent overseers. We are in an age where information sources are no longer limited to traditional media, who acted as gatekeepers and upheld accepted codes of conduct. Everyone is now a publisher or potential source of information. An independent regulatory body made up of government officials, members of the public and technical experts could be an option but when individuals carry the responsibility of deciding what counts as private, problems can arise. This was demonstrated within the Congressional hearing, where senators could not agree among themselves. Mr Zuckerberg has said he is not averse to the "right" regulation – but who decides what is "right"? Equally, a failure to protect social media users leaves them at the mercy of big corporations. Nevertheless, the story of Facebook so far is a lesson in the need for regulation. What began as a tool offering connectivity through sharing has soured and instead become an instrument for potential harm. Its damage needs to be limited before it is irreparable.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures
Thursday, November 30:
10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders
Friday, December 1:
9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates
