Who is in charge of our data? Facebook or the government?

The Drug Enforcement Administration in the States is in the news for setting up a fake Facebook page for Sondra Arquiett who was arrested in a cocaine case. The agent, Timothy Sinnigen, obtained photos from her seized mobile phone and posted pictures of her in tight shorts, open legged on a car bonnet as well as pictures of her young son and niece. He used the profile to attempt to engage in conversations with suspected criminals connected to the woman. The government said he had the right to do it and the Justice Department originally defended the agent impersonating the young woman although the case is now being reviewed.

In the UK many parents are not allowed to take photos of their children at school with schools claiming the need to safeguard the children. In the US photos of small children were used as part of a lure to entrap potential criminals. Facebook removed the page after it being publicised because it 'violates our community standards.' It is unclear who holds the power to publish information about us. The government thought it was fine but Facebook said no. Who is in charge of our data?

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