FTC must investigate Facebook for violation of children's privacy with unfair and deceptive commercial practices, insist groups

On Thursday, a coalition of 16 consumer groups asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Facebook's behavior in unfair and deceptive marketing practices, in violation of a major law on the protection of life deprived of children.

This latest complaint to the FTC, which is already reviewing a series of business practices by the technology giant, follows unsealed documents from a 2012 class action lawsuit that was settled in 2016.

Internal Facebook documents published in response to a request for access to information from the Center for Investigative Reporting reportedly revealed that the company was knowingly instigating children to shop in the game and make refunds. almost impossible to receive with a complicated bureaucratic process.

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Advocates want the FTC to check if Facebook has used unfair business practices by charging children for purchases made without the consent of their parents. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children's health, and other organizations that complain, also want the federal body to investigate Facebook's violation of the law on the protection of privacy. Online Children (COPPA), which makes it illegal for any website operator. online service for children to collect personal information about a child "without verifiable parental consent.

Facebook's "friendly fraud" practice of labeling children as "whales" shows that the company puts profits to people, and children should not be targeted for marketing tactics. irresponsible and unethical, "said Jim Steyer. , CEO of Common Sense Media, in a statement. "Facebook has a moral obligation to change culture to adopt practices that promote the well-being of children and families, and the FTC should ensure that Facebook acts responsibly."

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Josh Golin, executive director of the Campaign for a Child Without Advertising, which also supports the FTC's complaint, said: "The Facebook children's scam is not only unethical and reprehensible, but it is also contrary to consumer protection laws. "

The FTC complaint comes days after the publication by false British reports of the social network and its "digital gangsters". The FTC is in the process of negotiating a multi-billion dollar settlement with Facebook.

When Fox News contacted us to comment on the complaint, a Facebook spokesperson provided the following statement:

"We want users to enjoy safe and enjoyable gaming experiences on Facebook. Therefore, providing resources to request the reimbursement of unauthorized gaming purchases is an important part of the platform. We have put in place mechanisms to prevent fraud at the time of purchase and we offer people the opportunity to challenge purchases and get a refund. As part of our long history of working with parents and experts to offer tools to families browsing on Facebook and the Web, Facebook has also put in place protection mechanisms against minors' purchases. In 2016, we updated our terms and now provide dedicated redemption requests for minors on Facebook, including special training for our reviewers. "