It’s disheartening to see big tech companies failing to protect user data, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations such as children. The recent news about Facebook, now known as Meta, misleading parents and failing to fully protect children using its Messenger Kids app is no exception.

FTC Proposes Sweeping Changes to Privacy Order with Meta

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed sweeping changes to its 2020 privacy order with Meta. These changes include prohibiting the company from profiting from data collected on users under 18, limiting its use of face-recognition technology, and requiring additional privacy protections for users. Facebook/Meta has repeatedly violated its privacy promises, putting young users at risk. Time for the company to answer for its failures and be held accountable.

However, Meta is not taking the news lying down. In a prepared statement, they called the announcement a “political stunt” and accused the FTC of trying to usurp the authority of Congress to set industry-wide standards. They also pointed out that Chinese companies like TikTok can operate without constraint on American soil.

Messenger Kids and the Concerns Raised by Experts

Messenger Kids was launched in 2017 with the promise of providing a safer way for children to chat with family and friends. However, child-development experts raised concerns about the app from the beginning. A group of 100 experts and advocates contested Facebook’s claims that the app was filling a need for children. It’s clear that the concerns were valid, as the FTC found that Facebook misrepresented that parents could control whom their children communicated with through the app.

Big tech companies must take their responsibility seriously and prioritize user privacy over profit. It’s up to government agencies like the FTC to hold these companies accountable, and to us as individuals to demand better and take action to protect our data. As for Meta’s response, let’s just say it’s not surprising that they’re fighting back, but we’ll have to see how this all plays out. In the meantime, let’s be mindful of how our data is collected and used, especially when it comes to our kids.