The parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, Meta, is under fire for allegedly collecting facial identification information on millions of users in violation of Illinois state law. The lawsuit alleges that Meta used facial recognition technology to create and store biometric data without users’ consent, potentially putting their privacy at risk.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses Meta of violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, which requires companies to obtain explicit consent before collecting biometric data, including facial recognition information. The lawsuit claims that Meta collected and stored biometric data from millions of users in Illinois without their knowledge or consent.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Meta stated that the company believes it has not violated any laws and that it will vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit. However, if Meta is found guilty of violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, it could face hefty fines and damages.
This latest controversy adds to the growing list of privacy concerns surrounding Meta’s handling of user data. In the past, the company has faced criticism for its data collection practices and for not doing enough to protect users’ privacy. This lawsuit highlights the need for stricter regulations around the use of biometric data and raises questions about the extent to which tech companies should be allowed to collect and use sensitive personal information.
As the legal battle unfolds, users are left wondering how their personal data is being used and whether tech companies like Meta are doing enough to protect their privacy. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of data privacy regulation and the use of facial recognition technology.
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