Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement with the state of Texas over allegations related to the use of biometric data. This settlement marks the largest ever obtained from a single state action, according to Texas officials.
Key Details of the Settlement
- Historic Settlement: The $1.4 billion payment is considered the largest privacy settlement ever achieved by a state attorney general, surpassing the previous record of $390 million set by a coalition of 40 states against Google in late 2022.
- Settlement Duration: Meta will pay the $1.4 billion over the next five years.
- Company’s Response: Meta expressed its satisfaction with resolving the matter and is interested in expanding its business investments in Texas, including potential new data centers.
Why Was Meta Sued?
- Biometric Data Use: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Meta in February 2022, accusing the company of unlawfully collecting biometric data from millions of Texans without their informed consent. This data was gathered through a feature called “Tag Suggestions,” introduced in 2011.
- Lack of Consent: Meta allegedly used facial recognition software to capture and store facial geometry data from photos uploaded by users, without informing them or obtaining consent, violating Texas’s “Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier” law.
What is Biometric Data?
- Definition: Biometric data includes unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial geometry, used for automated recognition.
- Uses and Risks: While biometric data can be used for personalized services and security, it also poses risks if misused, such as identity theft.
Other Lawsuits Facing Meta
- Previous Settlements: Meta is also dealing with other legal issues, including a $725 million settlement over unauthorized data access by third parties, and a federal lawsuit from over 40 states alleging that Facebook and Instagram harm young people’s mental health through addictive features.
Moving Forward
Meta’s settlement with Texas highlights increasing scrutiny on tech companies regarding privacy and data protection. As the company continues to face legal challenges, its commitment to privacy and compliance will be closely watched.
For more information on privacy rights and how to manage your data, visit the Texas Attorney General’s website
