Company: Meta Platforms, Inc.
Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads
Users: 3+ billion monthly active users globally
Meta/Facebook Accessibility & Privacy Case Study
Meta operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other major platforms with billions of users worldwide. This case study examines Meta's accessibility initiatives and significant privacy enforcement history.
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Overview
Key Facts
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Major Enforcement
FTC Action
$5 billion FTC settlement (2019) - largest privacy-related penalty in FTC history for Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Accessibility Features
Meta has implemented various accessibility features across its platforms:
- Automatic Alt Text: AI-generated image descriptions for screen readers
- VoiceOver/TalkBack Support: Full screen reader compatibility
- Caption Generation: Automatic captions for videos
- Keyboard Navigation: Full site navigation without mouse
- Accessibility Shortcuts: Quick access to accessibility settings
Privacy Enforcement History
| Year | Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cambridge Analytica / FTC Violations | $5 billion settlement, new privacy oversight |
| 2022 | GDPR Violations (Ireland) | $414 million fine for ad targeting practices |
| 2023 | EU Data Transfer | $1.3 billion GDPR fine for US data transfers |
| 2024 | Texas CUBI Act | $1.4 billion settlement for biometric data use |
Data Privacy Concerns
- Data Collection: Extensive tracking across platforms and third-party websites
- Advertising Targeting: Use of sensitive categories for ad targeting
- Biometric Data: Facial recognition in photo tagging features
- Data Sharing: Third-party access through platform APIs
- Cross-Platform Tracking: Data combining across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
CCPA/CPRA Compliance
California residents have specific rights regarding Facebook data:
- Right to know what data is collected
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt out of data sale/sharing
- Right to correct inaccurate data