Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms, has found itself in hot water after being accused of illegally exploiting facial recognition technology to collect biometric data from millions of Texans without their consent. The state of Texas filed a complaint against Meta Platforms, which has now been settled for a staggering $1.4 billion.
This settlement is particularly noteworthy as the terms of the deal were hailed as the most significant bargain any state has ever achieved. The attorneys for Texas, including the plaintiffs’ firm Keller Postman, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome. The settlement marks the first major case brought under Texas’ biometric privacy statute, which was enacted in 2009.
Under this statute, any violation of the legislation could result in damages of up to $25,000. Law firms closely monitoring the case have shared these details with the public, highlighting the potential for monetary compensation for those affected by the privacy breach.
Facebook was accused of collecting biometric information billions of times from user-uploaded photos and videos through a feature called “Tag Suggestions.” This tool was added to the social media platform’s list of features during an update. However, it is currently unavailable and cannot be used.
Meta Platforms expressed its relief at resolving the issue and stated its enthusiasm for exploring future business investments in Texas, including the potential development of data centers. The company’s spokesperson conveyed their satisfaction with the outcome, signaling the end of the matter.
Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, described the settlement as a testament to the state’s commitment to holding technology giants accountable for breaking the law and violating the privacy rights of Texans. Paxton emphasized the importance of standing up to the world’s biggest tech companies.
The settlement was announced in May, just weeks before the scheduled trial in state court. Meta Platforms had previously settled a biometric privacy class action case in Illinois for $650 million in 2020, demonstrating their willingness to address these issues and find solutions.
It is worth noting that Google, owned by Alphabet, is also facing legal action from Texas over alleged violations of biometric legislation. This separate development suggests a growing focus on protecting privacy rights and holding technology companies accountable for their actions.
Overall, this settlement highlights the significance of biometric privacy laws and the potential consequences for companies that fail to comply. It serves as a reminder that individuals have the right to control their own personal information, and states are willing to take action to protect their citizens.
