Social media giant Facebook has announced a new line of Portal products meant to be used as video call devices in connection with other personal tech. These devices also include Amazon’s Alexa assistant technology.
The product announcement comes roughly two weeks after a major Facebook data breach that has left millions of user accounts vulnerable to hackers.
As a result, the proximity of the two events has raised concerns regarding Facebook’s supposed dedication to user privacy.
The Portal products resemble iPads, with either integrated or external cameras optimized for video calling, which reportedly have the ability to follow the user through a room to keep them in-frame.
Upon the announcement of the Portal line, Facebook attempted to assuage privacy concerns. Despite this, many users remain wary of bringing another camera into their home, one connected to a service that has famously struggled to protect user accounts and data.
