In a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released on September 19th, concerning findings have been revealed regarding the data collection policies of major social media platforms and video streaming services. The report highlights the concerning trend of these platforms surveilling consumers and retaining extensive amounts of data indefinitely, impacting both users and non-users. The report emphasizes that allowing companies to self-regulate in terms of data collection has proven to be a failure, as billions of dollars are at stake for these companies through the collection and monetization of user data.

According to the 129-page report based on responses from nine major companies, including Amazon, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and others, it was discovered that users' data is being acquired from various sources such as advertisers, data brokers, and through the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Shockingly, even individuals who do not actively use these platforms have had their data collected by these companies. The report further reveals that these platforms retain data indefinitely, with some companies choosing not to fully delete users' data even upon receiving deletion requests.

One of the key concerns raised in the report is the industrywide incentive structures that promote the harvesting, collection, and monetization of user data. FTC Chair Lina Khan expressed apprehensions about the potential privacy risks, threats to freedoms, and harms such as identity theft and stalking that can result from these data surveillance practices. The report specifically points out the inadequate protection of children and teens online by several companies, signaling a need for stricter regulations and privacy protections, especially for younger users.