Gee, I bet this won’t be used to spy on everyone
Paul Joseph Watson
PrisonPlanet.com
October 8, 2018
Facebook has announced the rollout of its new ‘Portal’ smart speakers, which it brags have a camera that can automatically follow users around the room.
Becoming the latest company to enter the smart-speaker market after Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Facebook rolled out a pair of voice-controlled devices that are optimized for video calling.
“Portal’s smart camera follows the action, keeping you in frame and everyone in view,” states the promo for the product.
Today we’re excited to introduce @PortalFacebook to everyone. Come say hi and check out https://t.co/jQuzzc97CK to learn more. pic.twitter.com/PzlTQDi6NI
— Facebook (@facebook) October 8, 2018
Undoubtedly wary about fears the technology could be exploited to spy on its users following the company’s data abuse scandals, Facebook has even included a camera cover that can be slipped over the lens.
The device also features a single button that instantly disables the camera and the microphones (because you can surely trust Facebook, right?)
Twitter users responded to the video promo with less than sympathetic feedback.
“No thanks, big brother,” said one.
No thanks, big brother
— ColdClaw22 (@ColdClaw22) October 8, 2018
“From the company that sold your phone number to advertisers,” added another.
From the company that sold your phone number to advertisers.
— Torch (@torchatlas) October 8, 2018
“Anyone still on Facebook, you deserve this,” joked another user.
Anyone still on Facebook, you deserve this.
— Crow (@sistercrow) October 8, 2018
Another person imagined a future scenario where Mark Zuckerberg would have to apologize for the device spying on millions of people.
“Zuck’s congressional testimony in 2021: “Did we make a few mistakes? Yes we did. Did we spy on a few million people?…