Social media users lack control over data used by AI, US FTC says
The Federal Trade Commission reports that major social media platforms manage user data with woefully inadequate policies, offering little transparency or control. This lack of accountability is critical for open data advocates, as it obscures how vast troves of personal information are collected, shared, and processed behind closed walls. A significant concern is the undisclosed use of this data to train artificial intelligence systems. Companies frequently acquire private content with scant notice, prioritizing corporate profit over user privacy and freedom. This opacity undermines the principle that data usage should be visible and understandable to the public. Consequently, these practices threaten user safety by exposing individuals to harms like identity theft and stalking. The report highlights a urgent need for greater openness in data ecosystems. Without transparent mechanisms for tracking data flows, users remain vulnerable to surveillance and unauthorized exploitation by powerful technology firms.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.comPublished on 2024-09-20