FTC Report Reveals Extensive Surveillance by Social Media and Video Streaming Companies, Especially Affecting Children and Teens

A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights widespread surveillance practices by major social media and video-streaming companies, revealing how these platforms collect and monetize vast amounts of personal data, often without adequate protection—particularly for children and teens.

The report, based on orders issued to nine major companies in December 2020, including Amazon (Twitch), Meta (Facebook), YouTube, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Snap, TikTok (ByteDance), Discord, Reddit, and WhatsApp, uncovers how these platforms track and use personal information. The companies collect data ranging from browsing behavior to demographic details, and even use this information in algorithms to target people with personalized ads and content.

“The report lays out how social media and video streaming companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans’ personal data and monetize it to the tune of billions of dollars a year,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said. “While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger people’s privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identity theft to stalking. Several firms’ failure to adequately protect kids and teens online is especially troubling.”

Here are some key findings from the report:

1. Surveillance for profit: The report highlights how these companies collect enormous amounts of data—often indefinitely—and use it to generate billions of dollars in revenue through targeted advertising.
2. Privacy risks: Users, especially teenagers and children, are exposed to privacy risks, including identity theft, data breaches, and other harms. Many platforms use invasive tracking technologies, such as pixels, to gather information without offering straightforward ways to opt out.
3. Failure to vulnerable groups: Despite claims that their platforms are not intended for children, companies often fail to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The report shows that teens are often treated the same as adults, with little or no added privacy protections.
4. Inconsistent data practices: The report also highlights troubling inconsistencies in how companies handle data deletion requests and the lack of transparency around the use of automated systems like AI. Users, including teens, often have no control over how their data is used.

Research cited in the report shows that exposure to social media and digital technology can negatively impact the mental health of children and teens. While companies claim to exclude children under the age of 13, the reality is that individuals in this age group are not given adequate protections and are subject to the same aggressive data collection practices as adults.

The FTC offers several recommendations to both policymakers and companies:

• Federal privacy legislation: Congress should enact comprehensive privacy laws to protect consumers and limit corporate surveillance.
• Stronger protections for teens: Companies should recognize that teens are not adults and provide greater privacy safeguards.
• Data minimization and transparency: Companies should reduce unnecessary data collection, be transparent about how user data is used, and ensure that personal data is deleted when no longer needed.
• Enforcement of COPPA: Platforms should treat COPPA’s requirements as the baseline and provide additional safety measures for young users.

“While profitable for these companies, these surveillance practices put users—especially children and teens—at significant risk,” said FTC Chair Lina Khan. “This report underscores the urgent need for stronger protections.”

Practical Steps to Enhance Privacy for Kids and Teens

While the FTC’s report calls for regulatory changes, parents and kids can take important steps today to protect their online privacy. Here are some tips:

1. Limit information shared on social media

Parents should help their children review privacy settings on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to restrict who can see their content. Kids should also avoid publicly sharing sensitive personal details, such as their location, school name, or birthdate.

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2. Maximize available privacy settings

Encourage kids to use the most restrictive privacy settings available on social media platforms. This includes making profiles private, disabling location tracking, and limiting who can send friend or follow requests. Parents and guardians can review these settings regularly to ensure they haven’t changed.

3. Avoid connecting via third-party apps

Many social media platforms allow third-party apps to connect and access user data. Parents should teach kids to avoid linking unnecessary apps to their accounts and to revoke access to apps they no longer use. This limits the amount of data shared with third parties

5. Educate about phishing scams

It’s important to teach kids and teens to recognize phishing, where scammers try to trick them into revealing personal information. Encourage them to avoid clicking on suspicious links or giving away login details.

6. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

Where available, activate two-factor authentication for your child’s accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to their phone) to log in.

7. Limit screen time and monitor usage

Parents can use parental control tools to limit screen time and track which apps and sites their children use. Monitoring their digital activity can help identify any potential privacy concerns early on.

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8. Encourage open conversations about privacy

It’s essential to have open discussions about online privacy with kids and teens. Parents should explain how companies collect data and why it’s important to safeguard personal information. Encourage children to ask questions and be proactive about protecting their privacy.