Privacy invasion: major social media firms exposed for user surveillance

A new report reveals that leading social media and video streaming companies have engaged in extensive surveillance of users, raising serious privacy concerns. 

The investigation highlights lax privacy controls and insufficient protections for children and teens, with companies monetizing personal data without adequate safeguards. 

Major platforms, including Meta, YouTube, and TikTok, were found to retain vast amounts of user information, often disregarding deletion requests. 

The report emphasizes that automated systems used by these companies lack transparency, giving users little control over their data. 

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan criticized these practices. 

She said they jeopardize privacy and expose users to risks like identity theft and stalking, particularly affecting younger audiences. 

With targeted advertising fueling these surveillance tactics, analysts say the report underscores a troubling trend in prioritizing profit over user safety and privacy.