FTC staff report reveals how companies engage in vast surveillance of users
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission today released a staff report that examines the data collection and use practices of major social media and video streaming services. The report highlights how companies engage in widespread surveillance of consumers to monetize their personal information while failing to adequately protect users online.
“The findings in the FTC report are alarming but not surprising, given the lack of rules and a national privacy law,” Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at CR and a former policy director of FTC’s Office of Technology, Research, and Investigation, said. “We need to rein in the rampant overcollection and misuse of consumer data by making strong data minimization protections the default and ensuring companies are held accountable when they violate the trust of consumers. We call on federal and state lawmakers to move forward with strong legislation, and the FTC to use its existing authority to more aggressively enforce against violators and to articulate clear rules through its Commercial Surveillance Rulemaking ”
CR has long advocated for consumers’ data rights. While Congress has stalled in its effort to establish a national privacy law, CR has played a pivotal role in helping states pass and strengthen numerous state privacy laws across the country.
CR has also developed technical solutions to empower people to take control of their data. Permission Slip is a free app that helps individuals learn about the data collected on them and stop companies from collecting it. Security Planner is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps people reduce the data collected about them and keep their data secure with a personalized plan.
Contact: Cyrus Rassool, cyrus.rassool@consumer.org