Pai Weighs In as Markey, Warner Hammer Facebook on Alleged Teen Data Deals

Facebook should immediately end its teen research program, said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Wednesday, responding to a report alleging it paid teens to install a VPN that spies on them. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai retweeted Markey's concerns. It’s “manipulative to offer teens money in exchange for their personal information when younger users don’t have a clear understanding how much data they’re handing over and how sensitive it is,” Markey said. He will reintroduce the Do Not Track Kids Act, an update to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., also criticized the platform, in a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Warner said he’s working on privacy legislation (see 1901220030) “to require individualized, informed consent" for "behavioral and market research conducted by large platforms on users.” Adults barely understand what is happening to their data and personal information -- how can we expect more from our children?” said Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif. He noted participants, ages 13-35, were paid $20 monthly plus referral fees. Key facts “are being ignored,” a Facebook spokesperson emailed. Participants, 5 percent of whom were teens, gave permission for the activity with parental consent when necessary, it said, and all were paid.