Meta Agreed to $1.4 Billion Texas Settlement Over Unauthorized Biometric Data Collection

Summary

In July 2024, the Texas Attorney General announced a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook unlawfully captured and used the biometric data of millions of Texans without obtaining the authorization required under Texas law. The case focused on Facebook's facial-recognition technology. According to the Texas Attorney General, Facebook introduced a feature in 2011 that initially operated as "Tag Suggestions." Meta automatically enabled facial-recognition software for millions of Texans and used facial geometry contained in photographs uploaded to Facebook, according to the state's allegations. Texas sued Meta in 2022 under the state's Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The resulting $1.4 billion settlement was described by the Texas Attorney General as both the largest settlement ever obtained from an action brought by a single state and the largest privacy settlement obtained by a state attorney general at that time. The settlement resolved the state's claims against Meta concerning its use of facial-recognition technology and biometric information. Sources: Texas Attorney General — $1.4 Billion Meta Biometric Data Settlement https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-14-billion-settlement-meta-over-its-unauthorized-capture