> their app on the FB platform ... this group is using a browser extension
and that is the gist - is your browser a part of the FB platform or not (the situation of ATT network and the telephone and even just the phone book). FB behaves like it is and like as a result they have control over it. And them getting their way means we ultimately lose very important area of general computing. That has been already happening as unapproved ways of calling web APIs have been met with responses from C&D all the way to criminal prosecution.
This is a reasonable question, but if the API is authenticated, you may have made some agreements to get authorization to use it. Criminal prosecution could be overkill, but that’s not what is happening here.
It’s kind of like asking “what’s the point of letting me into your warehouse if you didn’t want me to take the compressor that was in there?” but you signed a contract not to take the compressor before they gave you the key to the warehouse.
It's more like: why can't I send an agent to get what I need from the warehouse instead of going myself?
I should be able to create my own user agent for a website if I want. I should be able to replace their web application and non-free javascript with my own software.
I mean they're a gussied up advertiser, of course if you mess with their "engagement" or bottom line they'll ban you. It's like the "rubber hose crypto breaker" XKCD.
If they ban me, they'd probably be doing me a favor. Actually sending people legal bullshit over this? This is some sort of legally-sanctioned bullying.
and that is the gist - is your browser a part of the FB platform or not (the situation of ATT network and the telephone and even just the phone book). FB behaves like it is and like as a result they have control over it. And them getting their way means we ultimately lose very important area of general computing. That has been already happening as unapproved ways of calling web APIs have been met with responses from C&D all the way to criminal prosecution.