A recent report has called out nine major social media and video streaming platforms for their surveillance practices, raising privacy concerns and highlighting the lack of safeguards for children and teenagers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) discovered that these platforms are collecting and storing vast amounts of data about both users and non-users, leading to potential privacy risks and threats.

FTC Chair Lina Khan expressed alarm over the extent of surveillance carried out by these companies, emphasizing the potential dangers it poses to individuals’ privacy and freedoms. The report revealed how these platforms monetize personal data, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually at the expense of users’ privacy and security.

The FTC identified several key players in the social media and streaming industry, including Twitch, Meta, YouTube, and TikTok, among others, as engaging in the collection and analysis of demographic information. From basic details like age and gender to more sensitive data such as income level and parental status, these companies are compiling comprehensive profiles of their users, enabling targeted advertising and personalized content delivery.

In response to the FTC’s inquiries in 2020, these platforms disclosed the extent of data collection practices, which encompassed a wide range of information, from user activity on other platforms to browsing history and email addresses. Despite requests for data deletion, some companies admitted to retaining user information and deploying tracking technologies like pixels for advertising purposes.

Of particular concern was the treatment of teen users on these platforms, who were found to be subject to the same surveillance and data collection practices as adults, without adequate safeguards or restrictions on account access. The report underscored the need for enhanced protections for minors and recommended legislative action to regulate data collection and ensure user privacy rights.

Calling on Congress to enact comprehensive privacy legislation, the FTC emphasized the importance of data minimization and retention policies to limit excessive data gathering by companies. The report urged for clear and transparent privacy policies that are user-friendly and easily understandable, with a focus on safeguarding personal information and restricting its commercial use.

Moving forward, the FTC recommended stricter enforcement of data protection measures and the implementation of concrete policies to safeguard user privacy. By advocating for stronger data rights and advocating for consumer-friendly privacy practices, the report aims to promote greater accountability and transparency in the digital landscape.

Overall, the report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, companies, and users alike, highlighting the urgent need for robust privacy regulations and enhanced data protection measures in the face of growing surveillance and data exploitation concerns in the online sphere.

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