Minister: Algerians’ secrets on Facebook for sale

Algeria’s post and ICT minister Imene Houda Feraoun warned against social media including Facebook. She said they are more dangerous than pornographic sites.

“Foreign companies gain billions every year due to this free service. Algerians’ secret and information are used as a commercial tool. They are sold to governmental and non-governmental organizations and sometimes terror groups,” the minister told members of Parliament.

Asked about deputy Mohamed Daoui, Feraoun said the government does not have the prerogative to close pornographic sites due to a legal vacuum.

She added that the virtual world is part of the real one. “Adults are free to choose any website. The ministry is responsible for protecting children from those websites. Algerie Telecoms is in charge of this mission.”

She also said there is need for a common action to establish a legal platform and follow up websites without violating freedom of expression.

She believes that the real danger is in social media including Facebook. It enables owner enterprise to know all the details of Facebook users.

“Algerians’ personal information, photos and even phone numbers are exploited. They are sold to governmental organizations and sometimes to terror groups,” she said.