- Suleman
Meta Fined $1.4 Billion for Collecting the Unauthorized Biometric Data
Introduction
Texas General Ken Paxton has reached a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta Fined in Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) for collecting unauthorized use of millions of Texans’ biometric data. This settlement represents the largest privacy settlement ever obtained by a state General and sends a strong message to companies that violate privacy rights. This case sets a new precedent for privacy protection, and the fine imposed on Meta serves as a significant warning to other companies. As Meta suffers the consequences of its actions, other tech giants take note.
Largest Privacy Settlement in History
The $1.4 billion settlement sets a new record, surpassing the previous $390 million settlement received by 40 states from Google in late 2022. This case marks the first lawsuit and settlement under Texas’s “Collecting or Use of Biometric Identifier” Act (CUBI), showcasing the state’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens’ privacy rights. Meta fine in this groundbreaking case underscores the gravity of privacy violations. As Meta suffers this financial blow, it may prompt a reevaluation of data collection practices across the industry.
General Paxton emphasized the importance of holding major technology companies accountable for violating privacy laws.
"After vigorously pursuing justice for our citizens whose privacy rights were violated by Meta's use of facial recognition software, I'm proud to announce that we have reached the largest settlement ever obtained from an action brought by a single state."
“This historic settlement demonstrates our commitment to holding the world’s largest technology companies accountable for breaking the law and violating Texans’ privacy rights. Any abuse of Texans’ sensitive data will be met with the full force of the law.”
Meta Fined Unauthorized Data Collection
In February 2022, General Paxton sued Meta Fined for unlawfully capturing the biometric data of millions of Texans without obtaining their informed consent as required by Texas law. The lawsuit revealed that Meta’s data collection practices violated both the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier (CUBI) and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The fine imposed on Meta in this case underscores the consequences of unauthorized data collection. As Meta suffers the repercussions, it serves as a cautionary tale for other tech companies.
In 2011, Meta introduced facial recognition software as a Tag Suggestions feature, which automatically scanned and recorded facial geometry from photographs uploaded to Facebook without users’ knowledge or consent. Meta fined for this practice sends a clear message about the importance of user privacy.
Settlement Details
The settlement agreement, reached after only two years of litigation, requires Meta to pay the state of Texas $1.4 billion over five years. Meta Fined in this settlement will be making one of the largest privacy-related payments in history.
General Paxton credited the aggressive litigation efforts of co-counsel firms Keller Postman and McKool Smith with achieving this historic outcome. Zina Bash served as Lead Counsel for Keller Postman, while Sam Baxter and Jennifer Truelove led the team from McKool Smith.
Conclusion
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