What the settlement left out: Meta can still collect data from kids
The settlement calls for changes to Meta’s platforms but does not change the company’s surveillance-based business model
Meta's $17.1 billion settlement does not prohibit the company from collecting data from young users, using that data for targeted ads, or serving ads to young users based on that data. While the settlement imposes some changes to protect young users, it also preserves Meta's surveillance-based business model. Meta generates $200 billion in annual revenue, primarily through delivering ads to users and charging advertisers for those ads.
To maximize revenue, Meta aims to increase the time users spend on its platforms. The settlement does not alter Meta's incentive structure; instead, it reinforces the company's focus on collecting as much data as possible from users to improve ad targeting. This follows a pattern of repeated violations of past government settlements, demonstrating that Meta profits more from continued data collection and ad serving than from adhering to settlement terms.
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