Texas Takes Legal Action Against Meta's Data Practices
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a significant lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook), alleging the tech giant unlawfully gathered Texans' biometric data—specifically facial geometry—without their explicit, informed consent. The lawsuit, filed in state district court, asserts that Meta's practices violated the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI).
Facial Recognition and Alleged Privacy Breaches
The core allegation is that Meta used facial recognition technology for years to scan user-uploaded photos and videos, creating and storing detailed 'faceprints' for millions of Texans. Paxton argues this was done deceptively, without the clear notice and opt-in consent required by Texas law, thereby infringing on residents' fundamental privacy rights. The suit contends Meta commercially benefited from this sensitive data—using it to enhance features like photo-tagging—without properly compensating users or ensuring its security.
The lawsuit states Meta's actions "exploited the personal information of users...to grow its empire and reap historic profits," putting Texans' sensitive data at risk.
Seeking Penalties and Policy Changes
Attorney General Paxton is pursuing substantial civil penalties against Meta for every violation of CUBI, potentially reaching billions of dollars given the vast number of Texans on Facebook. Additionally, the suit seeks an injunction to permanently stop Meta from collecting biometric data in Texas in violation of the state's law. The AG's office emphasized its duty to protect Texans' privacy from corporate overreach.
Meta's Position and Context
Meta has publicly pushed back against the lawsuit's claims, calling them without merit. Notably, the company announced the global shutdown of its broad Facial Recognition system in November 2021, citing growing societal concerns, *before* this specific lawsuit was filed in February 2022. However, the Texas suit focuses on alleged *past* violations. Historically, Meta has defended its data practices by highlighting user privacy controls and the use of data to improve platform functionality and personalization. The company is expected to mount a strong defense.
Broader Implications for Tech and Privacy
This lawsuit exemplifies the intensifying battle over digital privacy and the power wielded by major tech platforms. It mirrors legal challenges under similar laws like Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), which has resulted in significant settlements. The outcome in Texas could establish crucial precedents for the handling of biometric data within the state and influence national standards for consent and corporate responsibility regarding sensitive personal information.
Further Reading
- Official Text: Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI)
- Meta's Current Privacy Center and Policies
- Ongoing coverage of the Paxton v. Meta lawsuit