Two prominent technology companies are currently facing significant legal challenges regarding their data privacy practices and protection of younger users. These cases highlight increasing regulatory scrutiny over how tech platforms handle personal information, especially that belonging to minors.
Michigan Takes Action Against Roku
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against Roku, alleging violations of both federal and state privacy regulations. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, claims that Roku has violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by collecting children’s personal information without proper parental consent.
According to Michigan officials, the company does not provide parents with options to create child-specific profiles, which results in children being subjected to adult-level data collection protocols. The lawsuit alleges that Roku collects and shares sensitive information including location data, voice recordings, IP addresses, and persistent identifiers that track children’s online browsing behavior. Attorney General Nessel emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable when they compromise children’s information security.
In response to these allegations, Roku has declared the claims “inaccurate” and asserted its commitment to user privacy and legal compliance. The company maintains that its systems do not improperly use or disclose children’s personal information, stating: “Roku respects and values the privacy of our users. We do not use or disclose children’s personal information for targeted advertising or any other purpose prohibited by law.” The company has indicated it will defend itself vigorously against these claims.
Snapchat Under Fire in Florida
Simultaneously, Snap Inc., Snapchat’s parent company, is facing legal action from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The lawsuit was filed in Florida’s Santa Rosa County state court and alleges that Snapchat incorporates features designed to foster addiction among younger users, thereby violating state legislation intended to protect children’s mental health from compulsive social media use. Specifically, the complaint targets features such as infinite scrolling and push notifications, which are criticized for potentially encouraging extended engagement periods.
Florida’s HB 3 law prohibits social media platforms from providing accounts to users under 14 years old and mandates explicit parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. The legal complaint contends that Snap has been negligent in restricting account access for minors and facilitates access to inappropriate content, potentially including interactions with harmful individuals. According to Uthmeier, Snapchat’s operations are “actively deceiving Florida parents about the risks of allowing their teens to access this platform.”
Snap Inc. has challenged Florida’s legislation, arguing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights while failing to properly address age verification issues. In communications with The Hill, Snap characterized the law as inadequate for protecting children’s interests in a privacy-conscious manner. The company advocates for systemic changes at the operating system or app store level to effectively manage online safety. Currently, industry groups including NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association are challenging the law’s constitutionality in federal court, with Snap supporting this judicial review.
Industry Implications
These cases involving Roku and Snap Inc. exemplify broader regulatory challenges facing technology companies regarding data privacy and consumer protection. They highlight the tension between innovative platform features and regulatory compliance aimed at ensuring online safety for younger users. As these legal proceedings develop, they may establish precedents for how digital platforms operate within legal frameworks, reflecting wider trends toward more stringent oversight of digital environments.
News Sources
- Roku Sued by Michigan AG for Alleged Child Privacy Law Violations (Variety)
- Florida sues Snap, alleging features that addict children (The Hill)
- Florida Just Sued This Popular Social Media App (Townhall)
- Fla. Sues Snapchat Owner for Allegedly Addicting Children, Deceiving Parents (Newsmax)
- Florida sues Snapchat for allegedly ‘exploiting’ minor users (Washington Examiner)
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Source: HaystackID published with permission from ComplexDiscovery OÜ
