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Facebook: All The Scandals Of The Past Year

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Facebook All Scandals Of Past Year,Facebook Data Leaks,Startup Stories,Technology News 2018,Startup News India,Facebook Scandals Past Year,Cambridge Analytica,Facebook Data Breach,Facebook Internal Struggles,Facebook Data Leaks Breach,Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg,Largest Online Social Media Platform

Facebook, in recent days, has been embroiled in scandal after scandal. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the initial numbers exposed by the Facebook data leaks were far higher than the 50 million declared by the social media platform. In fact, the numbers are closer to 87 million, a good 30 million more than the declared figures! However, with Zuckerberg’s confessions in front of the Congress, the other scandals Facebook has been going through has been brought to light.

1. Cambridge Analytica 

Cambridge Analytica, the political analysis firm, acquired the data of millions of Facebook users via an app created by a Professor at Cambridge. The data breach was considered a massive violation of information and was also linked to the 2016 Trump Presidential Elections. According to recently revealed reports, the analytics firm had used the revealed information to get an idea of the voters way ahead of the elections. The revelations sparked a massive reaction from the Senators in Washington. This, in turn, led to the #DeleteFacebook moment, with Zuckerberg being summoned to testify against the issue. After a long and omminous silence, he came forward and clarified all the questions posed by the members. The issue is still going on, without a clear idea on the resolve.

2. Retaining deleted videos of the users

One of Facebook’s responses to the Cambridge Analytica incident was to allow users to download their data archive on the social network in order for users to fully understand what information Facebook stores. This move inadvertently trigged more outcry when users discovered that videos recorded on the platform they had thought they had deleted were still present in Facebook’s archives. Facebook in turn, apologized and called the retention an unintentional “bug.” But the error will likely do little to reassure the public in the wake of a much larger ongoing scandal.

3. Facebook’s internal struggles 

When the entire date leaks breach happened, Andrew Bosworth, the Vice President of Facebook, said the growth of Facebook as a company was far more important than the breach of certain individual’s privacy. This sparked off a huge controversy, with Bosworth going on record to clarify that he didn’t mean what he said.

4. The Russian Meddling 

One of the dominant scandals of the 2016 Trump Presidential elections was the fact that Facebook had allowed the Russians to spread their political propaganda on the social networking site. Facebook had admitted last year that fake Russian accounts had been purchased for more than $ 100,000 in ads. Facebook was additionally implicated in its role of distributing misinformation, also known as “fake news,” from phony news sites, more often than not targeted at Hillary Clinton during the campaign, but rampant on both sides nonetheless.

5. Photo and link scan over messenger 

One of the other privacy infringements which came to light during the data leaks breach was the fact that Facebook scans images and links sent via messenger. According to the company policy, the policy is followed to make sure the content used is as per Facebook standards. While the practice may seem standard, users took offence to the policy as they felt it was an impeachment to their privacy rights. Facebook has said it is looking into the issue and will get it fixed as soon as possible.

With Mark Zuckerberg coming forward and saying he will address everyone’s concerns with what is perhaps the largest online social media platform, the issue looks to be resolved soon.

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Phab Raises $2M Seed Funding to Expand Healthy Snacking Brand

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PHAB

Phab, the D2C healthy snacking brand co-founded by Ankit Chona of ice cream brand Hocco and his wife Gayatri Chona, has raised $2 million (around ₹17 crore) in a seed funding round led by OTP Ventures, with participation from Capri Global, Sim&San law firm, and angel investors.

Founded in 2018, phab offers protein bars and healthy milkshakes, leveraging Ankit’s decade-long food industry experience and Gayatri’s expertise as a certified nutritionist. The brand has sold over 2 million units and sells through e-commerce and quick commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto, and Blinkit.

Despite a 12% dip in operating revenue to ₹5 crore in FY24, phab trimmed its net loss by nearly 3% to ₹6.8 crore, showing improved efficiency.

The new funds will be used to expand the team, invest in production capacity, and grow phab’s presence across digital, quick commerce, and offline channels. The brand competes with Yoga Bar, Beyond Snack, and The Whole Truth in India’s growing $68 billion healthy snacking market. OTP Ventures’ founding partner Suhail Sameer praised phab’s bold, differentiated approach and the founders’ vision, signaling strong investor confidence in the brand’s growth potential.

 

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GlobalBees CEO Nitin Agarwal Steps Down; Anuj Jain Appointed as Successor

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GlobalBee

Nitin Agarwal, cofounder and CEO of GlobalBees-the e-commerce roll-up subsidiary of FirstCry-has resigned, effective April 24, 2025, citing personal reasons. Agarwal, who helped GlobalBees achieve unicorn status within months of its 2021 founding, will support the company’s transition until May 23, 2025.

Anuj Jain, a FirstCry veteran with over 23 years of experience and a background at ITC and L’Oréal, will take over as CEO from April 25, 2025. Jain previously led FirstCry’s pre-school segment and served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Brainbees Solutions.

Agarwal’s departure follows several recent leadership changes within the FirstCry group. GlobalBees, which invests in D2C brands across various sectors, contributed ₹1,209 crore to FirstCry’s FY24 revenue, highlighting its strategic significance. With Jain’s appointment, the company aims to continue its strong growth in the D2C space.

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Swiggy Unveils Pyng: AI App Linking Users to Verified Pros

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Swiggy - StartupStories

Swiggy has launched Pyng, a new app aimed at connecting consumers with verified professionals across over 100 specializations, including yoga instructors, financial advisors, tutors, and event planners. Currently live in Bengaluru, Pyng uses AI to match users with trusted experts and offers a money-back guarantee for unsatisfactory services.

The app also provides professionals with tools to manage bookings, track payments, and schedule services efficiently. This marks Swiggy’s entry into the professional services marketplace, expanding beyond its core food delivery and quick commerce businesses. Pyng is available on both iOS and Android, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

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