US accuses social media giants of ‘vast surveillance’

A recent analysis by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has unveiled concerning practices among social media giants, revealing that these companies engage in “vast surveillance” to monetize users’ personal information. The report, stemming from inquiries initiated nearly four years ago, examined the data collection practices of nine major firms, including Meta, YouTube, and TikTok, among others.

FTC Chair Lina Khan stated that the findings underscore how these platforms harvest massive amounts of personal data from Americans, turning it into billions of dollars in profit. The report raises serious concerns about the adequacy of protections for children and teenagers, highlighting how surveillance practices can expose users to risks such as identity theft and stalking.

Khan emphasized the conflict between profit-driven business models, which often rely on targeted advertising, and the necessity of protecting individual privacy. The report criticized the lax data management practices, revealing that many companies failed to delete user data upon request and inadequately safeguarded the information they collected.

In response, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) argued that internet users are aware of the data exchange involved in targeted advertising, and they support comprehensive data privacy laws. However, the FTC’s findings prompt renewed calls for federal legislation to regulate data collection practices more strictly, particularly to protect vulnerable populations like children.