A recent investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals major social media and streaming platforms are under scrutiny for user surveillance and weak privacy protection for kids.
The investigation focuses on how these platforms acquire and use user data for profit without prioritizing online safety, particularly for children and teenagers.
The FTC sent orders to nine companies, including Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Snap Inc., Facebook, and WhatsApp, seeking information on data gathering, usage, tracking, advertising practices, and impact on minors.
The report highlights concerns about the uncontrolled data handling processes and the potential dominance of businesses that collect extensive user data, impacting customer privacy and competition.