In the News
Could Facebook be facing another large settlement? In a $35B face data lawsuit against Facebook will proceed, Josh Constine at TechCrunch discusses Facebook’s most recent legal blow as its appeal against a case of 7 million Illinois residents was rejected. The class-action case is grounded in Facebook’s use of facial recognition on users’ photos without their consent. Costine explains that Facebook’s use of facial recognition was originally designed to provide a personalized social platform experience by recommending photos one may be in. However, Constine details that such facial recognition would potentially be used for more invasive and unauthorized purposes.
Our Take
Facebook has been at the center of data misuse claims and lawsuits for years. Despite the seriousness of the company’s actions and the decrease in user trust in the company and its ethics, data mishaps continue. Facial recognition has been evolving as not only a way to create an increasingly personalized experience, but also as a security feature with biometrics. In many ways, facial recognition can be a positive for many users. The issue for Facebook is and has been surrounding user consent. So many social media users forfeited aspects of their privacy to participate in the global trend of sharing one’s life. However, going beyond what one consents too specifically regarding personal information and data use is a major red flag and an avoidable one as well. Even though the maximum settlement for such a large class action case is enormous, Facebook’s settlement may be substantially less. Only time will tell if the courts decide to crack down on Facebook and enforce restitution for the 7 million affected defendants.
Recommendations
How can you better protect your personal data when using social media platforms?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices when creating online accounts, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Refrain from sharing highly personal information on apps and platforms except whenever possible
- Carefully read the privacy and data policy before accepting and creating any new account