Meta Fined $1.4 Bln for Data Protection Violations in Texas

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay a $1.4 billion fine for failing to comply with data protection regulations in Texas.

The state's legislation specifically prohibits "tagging" friends in photos posted on Facebook without their prior consent.

The state of Texas accused Meta of circumventing the law that bans the use of biometric data by allowing users to automatically tag individuals in their photos without obtaining their consent first.

This information comes from court documents reviewed by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The agreement between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Meta brings an end to legal proceedings that have been ongoing for years.

The complaint, filed in early 2022, was the first instance of a state accusing a digital sector company of violating the law concerning the registration and use of biometric data.

Facebook integrated the automatic photo recognition feature in 2011. This feature includes a facial recognition system that, without user consent, automatically suggests names of individuals in photos, allowing users to tag them.

The substantial fine highlights the increasing scrutiny and regulatory measures surrounding data privacy, especially concerning the use of biometric data.

Meta's settlement with Texas sets a significant precedent for how tech companies manage user data and comply with regional laws.