Meta Settles Texas FB Facial Recognition Suit for $1.4B

Published Date: 31/07/2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook gathered facial recognition data without users' consent.

"  Information 

Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, Inc., has been at the center of controversy over its facial recognition technology. The company's facial recognition system was introduced to help users tag their friends in photos, but it soon faced criticism for allegedly collecting facial recognition data without users' consent.

The Lawsuit 

In 2021, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Meta, accusing the company of violating the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook had unlawfully collected facial recognition data from users, including those who had opted out of the feature.

The Settlement 

After a lengthy legal battle, Meta has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle the lawsuit. This settlement marks one of the largest biometric privacy settlements in U.S. history. Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will also be required to implement new procedures to obtain users' consent before collecting facial recognition data.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is an American technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company is a leading provider of online social networking services, and its products include Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Impact of the Settlement 

The settlement has significant implications for the tech industry, as it highlights the importance of obtaining users' consent before collecting biometric data. The case serves as a warning to companies that violate biometric privacy laws, and it sets a precedent for future lawsuits.

What Does This Mean for Users?

For users, the settlement means that they will have greater control over their biometric data. Meta will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting facial recognition data, which will help to protect their privacy.

Keywords 

 facial recognition, biometric data, Meta, Facebook, privacy laws

FAQs:

Q  What is facial recognition technology?

A  Facial recognition technology is a system that uses cameras and software to identify individuals based on their facial features.

Q  Why was Meta sued over facial recognition?

A  Meta was sued for allegedly collecting facial recognition data from users without their consent.

Q  How much did Meta agree to pay to settle the lawsuit?

A  Meta agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle the lawsuit.

Q  What is the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act?

A  The Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act is a law that prohibits companies from capturing or using biometric identifiers, such as facial recognition data, without users' consent.

Q  What are the implications of this settlement for the tech industry?

A  The settlement highlights the importance of obtaining users' consent before collecting biometric data, and it sets a precedent for future lawsuits."

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