Facebook Responds To Assange Claim It Is A 'Spying Machine'

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange recently said in an interview that Facebook is "the most appalling spying machine that has ever been invented." Alleging that the social network is vulnerable to "pressure" from U.S. Intelligence, Assange said that the government could potentially exploit user data stored on the network.

Facebook offered a rebuttal on Tuesday.

"We don't respond to pressure, we respond to compulsory legal process," a Facebook spokesperson told Forbes. "There has never been a time we have been pressured to turn over data -- we fight every time we believe the legal process is insufficient."

A recent document, purportedly leaked from Facebook, states that most of your personal data and networking activities are subject to subpoena by police. In addition, it's well-known that authorities use Facebook at times to obtain information about suspects.

"The legal standards for compelling a company to turn over data are determined by the laws of the country, and we respect that standard," the Facebook rep told Forbes on Tuesday.

Watch Julian Assange's full interview here.