The recent settlement between Meta and the state of Texas highlights the significant consequences of misusing biometric data. The unauthorized use of biometric data by Meta, the owner of Facebook, led to a record $1.4 billion settlement with the state of Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Meta in February 2022, accusing the company of capturing and using the biometric data of millions of Texas residents without their consent.
According to Paxton’s office, Meta stored billions of biometric identifiers without customers’ consent after introducing a new feature called “Tag Suggestions” in 2011. This feature allowed Meta to run facial recognition software on uploaded photos, capturing records of the facial geometry of individuals without obtaining proper consent. The unauthorized collection and use of biometric data violated Texas’ Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act, which prohibits companies from capturing biometric identifiers of Texans without informing them and obtaining their consent.
The $1.4 billion settlement with Meta is the largest ever obtained as a result of an action by a single state, according to Paxton’s office. Meta has agreed to pay out the settlement over five years to the state of Texas. This legal settlement demonstrates the state’s commitment to holding technology companies accountable for breaking the law and violating privacy rights. Paxton emphasized that any misuse of Texans’ sensitive data will be met with the full force of the law.
The resolution of the Meta case serves as a warning to other technology companies that handle biometric data. The decision to shut down the Face Recognition system on Facebook in late 2021 indicates growing concerns about the use of facial recognition technology. Technology companies must be aware of the legal implications of collecting and using biometric data without proper consent from users. The consequences of misusing biometric data can be severe, as demonstrated by the record settlement between Meta and the state of Texas.
While the settlement with Meta has been reached, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office is continuing to press a lawsuit against Alphabet, the owner of Google. This lawsuit accuses Alphabet of illegally collecting biometric data from millions of Texans. The legal actions taken by the state of Texas send a strong message to technology companies that the unauthorized use of biometric data will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
The settlement between Meta and the state of Texas sheds light on the importance of protecting biometric data and respecting users’ privacy rights. Technology companies must adhere to legal regulations regarding the collection and use of biometric data to prevent costly legal consequences. The case serves as a cautionary tale for companies that handle sensitive data and highlights the need for transparency and consent when dealing with biometric information.
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