FTC Report Reveals Massive Data Surveillance by Social Media Giants

The investigation highlights inadequate protections for user privacy and calls for federal regulation.

The FTC's 129-page report examines data practices of nine major social media and video streaming companies from 2019 to 2020.
Companies like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap collect vast amounts of user data, often without adequate protections, especially for teens.
The report criticizes firms for retaining user data indefinitely and sharing it with third parties, often without users' knowledge or consent.
Recommendations include limiting data collection, enhancing protections for teens, and implementing comprehensive federal privacy regulations.
Despite some companies disputing the findings, the FTC emphasizes the failure of self-regulation and the need for stronger enforcement.