This past spring, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleged that Facebook violated a 2020 privacy agreement by collecting and monetizing data from users under the age of 18. Now, Facebook has decided to sue the FTC, challenging its authority to reopen the privacy case against the social media giant.

According to the lawsuit, Facebook wants the opportunity to a trial by jury, and said the FTC should not be able to “unilaterally modify the terms” of the 2020 privacy settlement it reached with the company. However, several lawmakers pushed back strongly on Facebook’s actions, saying that it’s trying to distract from real issues like better protecting the privacy of young users.

“This lawsuit is embarrassing,” Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. said in a statement. “It speaks volumes that Meta would rather launch a frivolous lawsuit against the agency tasked by Congress with protecting American consumers, especially our children, than do the serious work needed to reform their platforms.”

Indeed, this case appears to be a rather desperate attempt by Facebook to avoid having to pay additional fines for privacy violations. At the very least, the FTC has remained vigilant in enforcing its agreement with Facebook and holding the company accountable for our privacy and data.

Recommended Resources

Choose what the experts use: award-winning cybersecurity you can trust and rely on.

Surf the web truly incognito. Try Bitdefender Premium VPN, the ultra-fast VPN that keeps your online identity and activities safe from hackers, ISPs and snoops.

System Mechanic 14 – Make your computer run like new. Winner of 200+ Editor’s Choice awards!