Meta Platforms has rejected an effort by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to modify a 2020 privacy settlement, asserting that it voluntarily disclosed two technical errors related to its Messenger Kids app to the agency. According to Meta, it revealed these bugs in July 2019 and has since invested $5.5 billion in its privacy program and associated initiatives. The FTC has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter.
The focus of contention is an existing 2020 privacy settlement with Facebook, aimed at prohibiting the exploitation of minors’ data and expanding restrictions on facial recognition technology. The FTC aims to strengthen this settlement, alleging that Meta misled parents regarding protections for children.
In March, a U.S. appeals court ruled that Meta cannot prevent the FTC from reopening an investigation into Facebook’s privacy practices, despite Meta’s objections that it has already paid a $5 billion fine and agreed to various safeguards. Meta has refuted allegations of misleading parents about privacy risks and filed a lawsuit against the FTC in November, challenging the agency’s dual role as both an investigative and adjudicative entity.
