Overview

• The FTC's 129-page report examines data practices of nine major social media and video streaming companies from 2019 to 2020.
• Companies like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap collect vast amounts of user data, often without adequate protections, especially for teens.
• The report criticizes firms for retaining user data indefinitely and sharing it with third parties, often without users' knowledge or consent.
• Recommendations include limiting data collection, enhancing protections for teens, and implementing comprehensive federal privacy regulations.
• Despite some companies disputing the findings, the FTC emphasizes the failure of self-regulation and the need for stronger enforcement.