Hey there, my tech-loving friends! Nuked here, and I’ve got some news that’s sure to grab your attention. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed some major changes to how Meta operates, accusing the company of violating child privacy protections. This includes the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the proposal cites instances where the company misled parents on their control over who their children communicate with over services like Messenger Kids.

The FTC’s proposed changes would ban Meta and Facebook from monetizing the data of children under 18 years old. It would also require explicit user consent for any new uses of facial recognition technology, and would prevent the company from launching new products or services without the green light from an independent privacy assessor. These rules would apply to all of Meta’s platforms, including Instagram, Oculus and WhatsApp, as well as any companies that Meta merges with in the future.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone called the proposal a “political stunt,” accusing the FTC of attempting to “usurp the authority of Congress to set industry-wide standards.” He also stated that “none of these issues warrant the drastic changes the FTC is seeking just three years into our decades-long agreement.” Despite this, the FTC has asked Meta to respond within 30 days to its findings and proposal.

The alleged violations arose from an independent assessor’s review of Meta’s privacy protections. The assessor was first implemented following a 2020 order and was put in charge of reviewing whether Meta’s privacy protections met the FTC’s standards. According to the FTC, the assessor “identified several gaps and weaknesses” in the company’s privacy practices.

While Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya issued a statement casting doubt on the FTC’s authority to modify its orders in this manner, he also stated that he looks forward to hearing additional information and arguments and will consider these issues with an open mind.

So, what do you think about these proposed changes? Do you think they’re necessary to protect children’s privacy, or do you think the FTC is overstepping its bounds? Let me know in the comments below!