In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debate over digital privacy and the protection of minors online, Meta, finds itself at the heart of a contentious legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The crux of the matter? The use of teens’ data for targeted advertising—a practice that the FTC is aiming to restrict.
The story took a significant turn this Tuesday when the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order that was less than favorable for Meta. The court rejected Meta’s request to put a pause on an FTC administrative hearing that could lead to the imposition of stricter regulations on how the company uses data from users under 18. This hearing is part of a broader effort to modify the terms of a 2020 settlement between Meta and the FTC, a settlement that came in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and other data privacy concerns.
Meta’s pushback against the FTC’s move was grounded in the argument that the proposed in-house hearing would cause the company irreparable harm. However, the appellate court was unconvinced, stating that Meta had not met the stringent standards required for an injunction. The judges highlighted that any outcomes from the FTC proceedings could be appealed in a federal court, underscoring that the “expense and annoyance of litigation” did not amount to irreparable injury.
This legal skirmish is not just about the procedural nuances of federal regulatory actions; it’s about the evolving landscape of digital privacy, especially concerning younger users. In a 2020 agreement, hammered out after allegations that Meta allowed undue access to users’ data by entities like Cambridge Analytica, the company had committed to paying $5 billion, enhancing its privacy oversight, and securing an independent assessment of its privacy practices.
But in light of alleged “gaps and weaknesses” in its privacy program, the FTC last May proposed adding new terms to this settlement, specifically to prevent Meta from using minors’ data for ad targeting and to impose stricter conditions on launching new products or services.
Meta sued the FTC by claiming that only the judge who allowed the settlement to take place could rule on its changes—an argument that was dismissed by both the judge and, currently, the appeals’ board.
However, the Meta’s official spokesperson has contradicted this by saying that the company intends to continue its fight against the so called “FTC’s baseless and unlawful action”. Meta argues that the allegations that the company’s privacy program is nonexistent are unsubstantiated and that Meta will invest in privacy protections.
What happens between the Meta and the FTC is more than a legal battle; it’s a reflection of the broader societal challenges concerning privacy in the digital era, respectful data usage, and supporting the weak users against possible exploitations. With the unfolding of the case we will be able to tell whether it will set a new trend in the discourse around digital rights and responsibilities, mostly in the way of protecting young people’s privacy on-line.
