Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Meta and (link unavailable), along with 14 other tech giants, over allegations of violating child privacy and safety laws. The probe focuses on whether these companies have complied with the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (DPSA).
Key Allegations
- *Misleading Kids*: The investigation scrutinizes whether (link unavailable) and Meta have misled kids by posing as licensed mental health tools, potentially putting them at risk.
- *Child Privacy Violations*: The companies are accused of failing to obtain parental consent before collecting and using minors' personal data, violating the SCOPE Act and DPSA.
- *Safety Concerns*: (link unavailable) faces lawsuits alleging its chatbots contributed to harmful outcomes, including suicidal ideation and exposure to inappropriate content among minors ¹ ².
Regulatory Framework
- *SCOPE Act*: Prohibits digital service providers from sharing, disclosing, or selling minors' personal data without parental consent.
- *DPSA*: Imposes strict notice and consent requirements on companies collecting and using minors' personal data.
Implications
- *Potential Penalties*: Companies found in violation may face significant penalties, including fines and reputational damage.
- *Industry-Wide Impact*: The investigation may set a precedent for stricter regulations and enforcement across the tech industry, prioritizing child safety and data protection.
- *Future Compliance*: Tech companies may need to enhance their safety features, transparency, and compliance measures to protect minors and adhere to evolving regulations ¹.
