I agree that it's frustrating how CA is used as an argument to end all arguments.

But we have to acknowledge that Facebook and other platforms are under threat of exploitation from malicious actors, that they often do want to legitimately prevent abuse and that they have to do something.

My biggest gripe is of course the laughable shallowness of the debate. I've once had a Facebook representative tell me that they can't share political ad data because the data is so large "it doesn't fit on a usb stick". Come on. That's lawyers speaking bullshit, and it's tiring.

People love to meme that the regulatory action taken against FB didn’t do anything because the fine was too small.. but the truth is this is the reality from it.

Exactly. This (strict enforcement of terms and conditions and locking down user data) was the desired outcome of the actions taken, and will probably result in fewer leaks down the road which is fine with me. I’m actually glad they seem to be serious about it by even going after these “controversial” cases. I frankly don’t understand what people want them to do.

Very much in the spirit of regimes that would execute an inconvenient individual and then charge the family the price of the execution.

I disagree.

If they are truly not the same, then let's make FB not liable for it.

For example, if there is data leak from this, the researchers should all go to jail and FB is not at fault.

I'm sure if German government is honest and truly want to do research, they should have no problem coming up with a law like this.

For now, there is no such protection. If the research group turns out to be bad, FB again will be fucked.