Texas Secures Historic $1.4 Billion Settlement Against Meta
Submitted by MAGA
Posted 117 days ago
**Historic Settlement: Texas Holds Meta Accountable for Biometric Data Violations**
In a monumental victory for privacy rights, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a groundbreaking $1.4 billion settlement with Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram.
This settlement represents not only the largest payout ever secured from an action brought by a single state, but also the most significant privacy settlement in history, surpassing previous achievements against major corporations.
The lawsuit, initiated in February 2022, accused Meta of unlawfully capturing and using the biometric data of millions of Texans without their explicit approval. Biometric data, which includes facial recognition data, poses unresolved privacy concerns, especially when collected without consent.
Paxton emphasized the importance of this settlement during his announcement, stating that it illustrates Texas's commitment to protecting citizens' privacy rights while holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions.
"After vigorously pursuing justice for our citizens whose privacy rights were violated by Meta’s use of facial recognition software, I’m proud to announce that we have reached this historic settlement," he said.
Moreover, Paxton's lawsuit revealed a troubling pattern within Meta's practices—from the automatic activation of facial recognition features to the extensive gathering of user data without proper transparency. For over a decade, Meta has operated a face-scanning system that infringed on the privacy rights of Texans, often with little regard for the law.
The agreement will see Meta disburse the settlement over a period of five years. This victory comes in a broader context of strong legal actions taken by Texas against tech companies, which have recently faced increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure regarding their handling of user data.
By prioritizing the protection of privacy rights, Texas is sending a clear message to both companies and individuals alike: adherence to the law and respect for citizens' rights must be at the forefront of technological advancements.
This historic settlement is not only a triumph for Paxton and his office but also serves as a wake-up call for other technology companies operating across the country. In a world where data breaches and unauthorized data collection are becoming the norm, the conservative stance on digital privacy continues to resonate with many Americans.
As this settlement unfolds, it raises pertinent questions about the responsibilities of tech giants and the urgent need for accountability in safeguarding personal information. This decisive action by Texas showcases a proactive approach to regulation, fostering a climate that prioritizes individual rights over corporate interests.
Sources:
spectrumlocalnews.com
twitchy.com
texasattorneygeneral.gov
In a monumental victory for privacy rights, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a groundbreaking $1.4 billion settlement with Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram.
This settlement represents not only the largest payout ever secured from an action brought by a single state, but also the most significant privacy settlement in history, surpassing previous achievements against major corporations.
The lawsuit, initiated in February 2022, accused Meta of unlawfully capturing and using the biometric data of millions of Texans without their explicit approval. Biometric data, which includes facial recognition data, poses unresolved privacy concerns, especially when collected without consent.
Paxton emphasized the importance of this settlement during his announcement, stating that it illustrates Texas's commitment to protecting citizens' privacy rights while holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions.
"After vigorously pursuing justice for our citizens whose privacy rights were violated by Meta’s use of facial recognition software, I’m proud to announce that we have reached this historic settlement," he said.
Moreover, Paxton's lawsuit revealed a troubling pattern within Meta's practices—from the automatic activation of facial recognition features to the extensive gathering of user data without proper transparency. For over a decade, Meta has operated a face-scanning system that infringed on the privacy rights of Texans, often with little regard for the law.
The agreement will see Meta disburse the settlement over a period of five years. This victory comes in a broader context of strong legal actions taken by Texas against tech companies, which have recently faced increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure regarding their handling of user data.
By prioritizing the protection of privacy rights, Texas is sending a clear message to both companies and individuals alike: adherence to the law and respect for citizens' rights must be at the forefront of technological advancements.
This historic settlement is not only a triumph for Paxton and his office but also serves as a wake-up call for other technology companies operating across the country. In a world where data breaches and unauthorized data collection are becoming the norm, the conservative stance on digital privacy continues to resonate with many Americans.
As this settlement unfolds, it raises pertinent questions about the responsibilities of tech giants and the urgent need for accountability in safeguarding personal information. This decisive action by Texas showcases a proactive approach to regulation, fostering a climate that prioritizes individual rights over corporate interests.
Sources:
spectrumlocalnews.com
twitchy.com
texasattorneygeneral.gov
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