FTC Proposes Blanket Prohibition Preventing Facebook from Monetizing Youth Data

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The Federal Trade Commission proposed changes to the agency’s 2020 privacy order with Facebook after alleging that the company has failed to fully comply with the order, misled parents about their ability to control with whom their children communicated through its Messenger Kids app, and misrepresented the access it provided some app developers to private user data.

“Facebook has repeatedly violated its privacy promises,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The company’s recklessness has put young users at risk, and Facebook needs to answer for its failures.”

As part of the proposed changes, Meta, which changed its name from Facebook in October 2021, would be prohibited from profiting from data it collects, including through its virtual reality products, from users under the age of 18. It would also be subject to other expanded limitations, including in its use of facial recognition technology, and required to provide additional protections for users.

This is the third time the FTC has taken action against Facebook for allegedly failing to protect users’ privacy. The Commission first filed a complaint against Facebook in 2011, and secured an order in 2012 barring the company from misrepresenting its privacy practices. But according to a subsequent complaint filed by the Commission, Facebook violated the first FTC order within months of it being finalized – engaging in misrepresentations that helped fuel the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In 2019, Facebook agreed to a second order—which took effect in 2020—resolving claims that it violated the FTC’s first order. Today’s action alleges that Facebook has violated the 2020 order, as well as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule (COPPA Rule).

The 2020 privacy order required Facebook to pay a $5 billion civil penalty. The 2020 order also expanded the required privacy program, as well as the independent third-party assessor’s role in evaluating the effectiveness of Facebook’s program. For example, the 2020 order required Facebook to conduct a privacy review of every new or modified product, service, or practice before implementation and document its risk mitigation determinations. The order also required Facebook to implement greater security for personal information, and imposed restrictions on the use of facial recognition and telephone numbers obtained for account security.

The independent assessor, tasked with reviewing whether the company’s privacy program satisfied the 2020 order’s requirements, identified several gaps and weaknesses in Facebook’s privacy program, according to the Order to Show Cause, in which the Commission notes that the breadth and significance of these deficiencies pose substantial risks to the public.

The Order to Show Cause also alleges that Facebook violated both the 2012 and 2020 orders by continuing to give app developers access to users’ private information after promising in 2018 to cut off such access if users had not used those apps in the previous 90 days. In certain circumstances, Facebook continued to allow third-party app developers to access that user data until mid-2020.

In addition, the FTC has asked the company to respond to allegations that, from late 2017 until mid-2019, Facebook misrepresented that parents could control whom their children communicated with through its Messenger Kids product. Despite the company’s promises that children using Messenger Kids would only be able to communicate with contacts approved by their parents, children in certain circumstances were able to communicate with unapproved contacts in group text chats and group video calls. The FTC says these misrepresentations violated the 2012 order, the FTC Act and the COPPA Rule. Under the COPPA Rule, operators of websites or online services that are directed to children under 13 must notify parents and obtain their verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.

The proposed changes to the 2020 order, which would apply to Facebook and Meta’s other services such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus, include:

  • Blanket prohibition against monetizing data of children and teens under 18: Meta and all its related entities would be restricted in how they use the data they collect from children and teens. The company could only collect and use such data to provide the services or for security purposes, and would be prohibited from monetizing this data or otherwise using it for commercial gain even after those users turn 18.
  • Pause on the launch of new products, services: The company would be prohibited from releasing new or modified products, services, or features without written confirmation from the assessor that its privacy program is in full compliance with the order’s requirements and presents no material gaps or weaknesses.
  • Extension of compliance to merged companies: Meta would be required to ensure compliance with the FTC order for any companies it acquires or merges with, and to honor those companies’ prior privacy commitments.
  • Limits on future uses of facial recognition technology: Meta would be required to disclose and obtain users’ affirmative consent for any future uses of facial recognition technology. The change would expand the limits on the use of facial recognition technology included in the 2020 order.
  • Strengthening existing requirements: Some privacy program provisions in the 2020 order would be strengthened, such as those related to privacy review, third-party monitoring, data inventory and access controls, and employee training. Meta’s reporting obligations also would be expanded to include its own violations of its commitments.

Today’s action is the first step in the process. In seeking modifications to the 2020 order, the FTC has formally asked Meta to respond in 30 days to the proposed findings from the agency’s investigation. The proposed order modifications are based on the agency’s authority under Section 5(b) of the FTC Act and Commission Rule 3.72, which allow the Commission to reopen an administrative case and modify a final order when the Commission finds “changed conditions of fact or law or [when the] public interest” may require such action.

The Commission voted 3-0 to issue the Order to Show Cause. Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya released a statement.

NOTE: The Commission’s issuance of its Order to Show Cause marks the beginning of a proceeding in which Meta will have an opportunity to respond. After carefully considering the facts and any arguments by the parties, the Commission will ultimately determine whether modification of the 2020 order is in the public interest or justified by changed conditions of fact or law.

The lead staff attorneys on this matter are Reenah Kim, Evan Mendelson, and Olivia Jerjian from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Official news published at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/05/ftc-proposes-blanket-prohibition-preventing-facebook-monetizing-youth-data

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RedeemTV Announces New Documentary: ‘The Shroud Face to Face’

RedeemTV Announces New Documentary: ‘The Shroud Face to Face’
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RedeemTV ? Streaming Goodness

Vision Video’s streaming platform RedeemTV is set to unveil the highly anticipated documentary The Shroud Face to Face on March 28, 2024.

The Shroud Face to Face, produced by The Nexus Institute and The Shroud LLC, is a captivating documentary that unravels the enigma of the Shroud of Turin. With cutting-edge technology and expert insights, the film provides a face-to-face encounter with this iconic relic, inviting audiences to delve into its history, authenticity, and the profound questions it raises.

This visually stunning film, based on the book The Shroud Face to Face by acclaimed author and filmmaker Robert Orlando, offers an immersive exploration of the centuries-old mystery surrounding the Shroud of Turin and has been endorsed with high praise.

"This is a compelling and convincing account of the single most fascinating relic in the Christian world. This is for anyone seeking to understand the significance and history of the Shroud of Turin.” — Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire

'The Shroud Face to Face'

Watch Trailer: https://watch.redeemtv.com/trailer/the-shroud-trailer

RedeemTV is a FREE, donor-supported, Christian streaming platform with over 250,000 subscribers. Streaming more than 5,000 videos, it provides family-friendly content while continuing to spread the message of Jesus.

Vision Video is a leading DVD and film distributor, committed to bringing impactful and compelling stories to audiences worldwide. With a focus on cinematic excellence, Vision Video partners with filmmakers to showcase thought-provoking narratives that inspire and captivate.

The Nexus Media focuses on TV, motion pictures, books, and screenplays, along with award- winning documentaries and shorts. Our team has years of experience in media storytelling and developing well-crafted engaging content. We invite you to view some of our past projects, The Divine Plan and Silence Patton, and participate in our new initiatives.

Stream FREE on RedeemTV: https://redeemtv.com.

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedeemTV.

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/redeemtv1.

Contact Information:
Danielle Tumminelli
Marketing & VOD Distribution Manager
danielle@visionvideo.com
484-750-2485


Original Source: RedeemTV Announces New Documentary: 'The Shroud Face to Face'

Scholars of Mandeville Grand Opening to Feature New Orleans Saints Superstar Cam Jordan

Scholars is celebrating the Grand Opening of its second tutoring location in the Greater New Orleans area Thursday, March 28th. This Thursday's event features NFL superstar Defensive End Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints. Cam, the Saints all-time sack leader and 8x pro-bowler, will be available to meet and inspire the students and families of the Mandeville community.

Scholars of Mandeville Grand Opening to Feature New Orleans Saints Superstar Cam Jordan
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Scholars is an award-winning franchise tutoring system, providing broad academic support to students K-12 in all subjects.

This Thursday, March 28th, Scholars will celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Mandeville, Louisiana. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and will take place at 1901 U.S. Hwy 190, STE 27, Mandeville, La.

Scholars is proud to be cutting the ribbon of its second location in New Orleans. This week’s event will also feature some NFL star power as Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints will be making an appearance. Renowned throughout the NFL for his ferocious and creative pass-rushing, Cam, the Saints all-time sack leader and 8x pro-bowler, is both a student of the game of football and a big believer in the importance of education off the field. Cam will meet and inspire the students and families of the community alongside Scholars CEO Matt Baxter and other special guests. 

The event is free to attend and will feature giveaways, food from local vendors, face painting, pictures, games, and other surprises.

Scholars of Mandeville owner Ryan Fitzsimmons is excited to give back to his community and to provide students in the area with world-class tutoring. “I’m always willing and able to help kids,” Fitzsimmons said. “I’m a huge believer in Scholars because I’ve seen it work. It’s really amazing and I’m excited to be a part of it.” 

Scholars' first Louisiana location was opened in 2021 by another NFL star, 5x Pro Bowl Offensive Tackle Terron Armstead. Scholars of New Orleans has brought the joy of success in school to hundreds of students over the past three years and provides the template which Ryan Fitzsimmons seeks to follow.

Scholars, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, has over 80 locations across North America. It uses its world-class curriculum and programming coupled with qualified, caring teachers to provide exceptional tutoring services for students of all ages. It has won the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees’ Choice Award for nine consecutive years, while also boasting the Franchisee of the Year Award in 2023. The first location in the United States was opened in Brookhaven, Georgia, by Baltimore Ravens great Jamal Lewis, and the company also includes local New Orleans legend & former Saints superstar Mark Ingram. 

Scholars Education                                                         

400 Applewood Cres, Suite 100

Toronto ON, L4K 0C3

1-866-777-2131

info@scholarscanada.com

Contact Information:
Peter Dyakowski
Scholars Education
peter@scholarsed.com
1-888-901-7323
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Scholars is an award-winning franchise tutoring system, providing broad academic support to students K-12 in all subjects.

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Cam Jordan

New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cam Jordan 8x NFL Pro Bowl Appearances



Original Source: Scholars of Mandeville Grand Opening to Feature New Orleans Saints Superstar Cam Jordan
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