You ask “What protections do app developers have in this process?”. And sanj (the only other comment) asks, “How is this different from any other VC?”

To their credit, FB staff made it abundanlyt clear: “we accept no obligations (whether of confidentiality, payment or otherwise) with respect to any materials, information or
ideas included in your submission.” Hardly a clause I’d accept from a VC!

In other words they could take an idea and run with it as they chose, your having accepted the “no obligations” caveat.

Those who already have end up getting more; those who haven’t *shrug* … to my mind it’s just the raw reality of each against all.

Have you dealt with VC’s?

Those are exactly the terms you’re offered:

http://www.venturehacks.com/articles/plans-ndas-traction

“Because of the large number of business plans… that we review, and the similarity of many such plans… we cannot accept responsibility for protecting against misuse or disclosure of any confidential or proprietary information…”

— Sequoia Capital