After Facebook Settlement, Texas AG Launches Privacy Enforcement Team

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has established a new team that will focus on enforcing the state’s biometric privacy legislation. Paxton stated that any entity abusing or exploiting sensitive data will face the full force of the law, citing risks from unauthorized data collection/sales, financial harm to consumers, and irresponsible use of artificial intelligence.

Paxton has previously filed lawsuits against tech giants like Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and Google over alleged mishandling of biometric data and personal information without user consent. His 2022 lawsuit against Meta accused it of storing millions of biometric identifiers from photos/videos, often unauthorized, while the Google suit claimed illegal collection of facial geometry and voiceprints.

This week saw reports that Facebook had reached a settlement of its case with the Texas AG, with both parties establishing an agreement in principle. That success appears to have galvanized Paxton, given his newly announced team.

The new data privacy team will enforce recently passed Texas laws like the Data Privacy and Security Act, which requires businesses to obtain consent before processing sensitive personal data. It also allows Texans to access, delete or stop companies from collecting their data for advertising/sales. The team will also enforce laws related to biometric identifiers, deceptive practices, and federal child online safety and health privacy regulations.

“Companies that collect and sell data in an unauthorized manner, harm consumers financially, or use artificial intelligence irresponsibly present risks to our citizens that we take very seriously,” Paxton said in a statement. “As many companies seek more and more ways to exploit data they collect about consumers, I am doubling down to protect privacy rights.”

Sources: The Texas Tribune, Attorney General of Texas

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June 5, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy