News Desk |
The internet giant Google is slammed with a multi-million dollar fine in the recent findings revealing that it failed to protect children under 13 using its video service YouTube.
The Federal Trade Commission reached an agreement with Google in its investigation into YouTube for violating federal privacy data laws for children. The final figures and any additional stipulations are yet to be revealed.
According to reports, three Republicans backed the deal and two Democrats had opposed it. The decision now relies on Justice Department that rarely subdues the FTC’s settlement with the company under scrutiny.
Similar privacy concerns can be applied to other social media applications, including Instagram, Snapchat, and other online video games.
The investigation found that Google failed to protect kids using the video-streaming service and improperly collected their data, which is a breach of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Read more: Facebook being let off easy for privacy violations?
Users had raised concerns about the way YouTube collects information about kids and how they see advertisements targeting children. These can include nursery rhymes, cartoons, and children opening gifts, according to the Post.
Similar fears were raised when reports of pedophiles posting inappropriate comments on the videos featuring children surfaced.
The Federal Trade Commission reached an agreement with Google in its investigation into YouTube for violating federal privacy data laws for children.
Google had placed a temporary restriction on posting videos featuring children that turned futile. Now, during the FTC investigation, Google explored ways to change algorithms to determine which YouTube video was lined up next.
Similar privacy concerns can be applied to other social media applications, including Instagram, Snapchat, and other online video games.
Read more: Britain to fine Facebook over data breach
The technology giants are under increasing pressures from government and users alike over privacy concerns. Earlier, in one hefty fine, Facebook had paid a record total of $5billion in a settlement over its privacy practices and the mishandling of private information stemming from the Cambridge Analytical controversy.
Authorities in Pakistan should direct their attention to conduct similar research in Pakistan. Such detailed studies can dig out facts that can help authorities bust the pedophile groups operating in Pakistan.