Facebook paid teens to install an app to spy on their internet and phone use

Ever watchful of its competitors (and not so concerned about your privacy), Facebook has been paying people so it can keep tabs on their phone and internet usage.

As unearthed by TechCrunch, the research program dubbed "Project Atlas" sought users who would be willing to install an app that gave Facebook unfettered access to their iOS or Android phones for $20 a month, plus referral fees.

Facebook recruited users aged 13-35 years old via beta testing services like Applause, BetaBound and uTest, with the latter company running ads for a "paid social media research study" on Instagram and Snapchat. Read more...