Internet US authority accuses online networks of "surveillance techniques"

In a report published on Thursday (local time), the US competition authority FTC accused the operators of online networks of "surveillance techniques".

"The report lays out how social media and video streaming companies collect an enormous amount of Americans' personal information and make billions of dollars from it each year," said FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan in a statement. The "surveillance techniques" used by the companies could jeopardize people's privacy and expose them to dangers such as stalking or identity theft. It is particularly worrying that several companies are failing to adequately protect children and young people.

Profit at the expense of privacy

The business models that rely on targeted advertising have fueled the mass collection of user data by companies, the report continued. Profit is then made at the expense of privacy. The report is based on a survey launched in 2020 of internet companies such as Meta, YouTube, Amazon, X (formerly Twitter) and others. The Association of the Online Advertising Industry (IAB) rejected the authority's accusations. Internet users know that online services bring with them the business of targeted advertising, explained IAB boss David Cohen. In return, they appreciate the fact that these services are free. The fact that the FTC speaks of "commercial mass surveillance" is disappointing.

SDA