Meta Agrees to $1.4 Billion Settlement with Texas over Biometric Data Lawsuit
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has reached a historic $1.4 billion settlement with the state of Texas in a privacy lawsuit centered around the unauthorized use of users’ biometric data. This settlement, announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, marks the largest ever reached by a single state in a case of this nature. In 2021, Meta also agreed to a $650 million settlement with Illinois over similar claims, further highlighting the tech giant’s legal challenges in this area.
Violation of State Law
The lawsuit against Meta, filed in Texas in 2022, accused the company of violating state law by capturing and selling residents’ biometric information, such as facial recognition data, without their explicit consent. This practice directly contradicted Texas laws aimed at protecting individuals’ privacy rights and personal data. The settlement represents a significant step towards holding tech companies accountable for data misuse and privacy violations.
Shutting Down Facial Recognition
As part of the settlement agreement, Meta has agreed to shut down its facial recognition system and delete the facial fingerprints of over a billion users. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the misuse of facial recognition technology by governments, law enforcement, and other entities. By taking this action, Meta aims to address privacy issues and restore user trust in its data practices.
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