FTC Reports Vast Surveillance of Children and Teens by Social Media Companies

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a concerning new report indicating widespread surveillance by social media and video streaming platforms, particularly targeting children and teenagers. The report emphasizes the companies' significant failure to protect their younger users from harmful content while monetizing their data.

Surveillance Practices

The FTC's extensive examination, beginning in 2020, scrutinized major platforms like Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Reddit, and WhatsApp, as well as video streaming services like Amazon and Meta. These companies were found to conduct "vast surveillance" of all users, including minors, by gathering personal data through user submissions and third-party data brokers. Information such as household income, location, and interests were revealed to be collected and retained indefinitely.

Issues with Data Management

According to the FTC report, the companies utilize algorithms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to sift through and monetize personal information. However, the systems used for this purpose lack transparency, making it difficult for users to understand how their data is being harnessed for targeted advertising. As FTC Chair Lina M. Khan pointed out, the insufficient protection for children and teenagers in these environments is particularly alarming.

Lack of Protection for Minors

The FTC report criticizes these companies for their practices involving younger users, highlighting that most companies do not impose restrictions or protections for teen users, handling their data as they would for adults. Despite claiming that their services are not intended for children to avoid legal compliance, significant evidence suggests minors widely use these platforms.

Government and Legislative Response

Legislative bodies across the globe are noticing these deficiencies and taking actions to curtail the potentially harmful usage of these platforms by minors. Nevertheless, social media companies often oppose such regulations, appealing to the notion of free speech and lobbying against potential restrictions which could diminish their profit margins.

FTC Recommendations

In conclusion, the FTC recommends that companies limit their data collection practices, reduce targeted advertising especially aimed at minors, and enhance protective measures for underage users. The report also urges Congress to pass federal privacy legislation to further restrict surveillance practices and to empower consumers with rights pertaining to their personal data.

Parental Control Solutions

Amid these findings, parents are encouraged to utilize the best parental control apps to mitigate their children’s exposure to harmful content and unauthorized data exploitation.

By confronting these significant issues, the FTC aims to elicit policy changes that better protect the privacy and well-being of younger social media users.

Earlier, SSP wrote about WhatsApp's upcoming customization feature.