Twitter to Pay $150m Over Ad Targeting Disclosure

In the US, Twitter is to pay a settlement of $150m after giving consumers inadequate notice that their data would be used for ad targeting. The company agreed to implement further checks and disclosures whilst stressing that the problem had been addressed as long ago as 2019.

The FTC said the microblogging service had broken the terms of a previous settlement (2011) by using individual's contact information to help marketers target ads, with 'at least 140m users' affected. Over six and half years from spring of 2013, Twitter did inform users that their 'phone numbers and email addresses would be used to help keep accounts secure, but either 'did not disclose, or did not disclose adequately, that it used these telephone numbers and email addresses to target advertisements to those users through its Tailored Audiences and Partner Audiences services', according to the Commission's case.

In a blog post Damien Kieran (pictured), Chief Privacy Officer, stressed that Twitter is committed to protecting user privacy, and stated: 'In reaching this settlement, we have paid a $150M USD penalty, and we have aligned with the agency on operational updates and program enhancements to ensure that people's personal data remains secure and their privacy protected'. Users will also now have the option of a multi-factor authentication approach which does not require their phone number.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds for the Northern District of California stated: 'Consumers who share their private information have a right to know if that information is being used to help advertisers target customers. Social media companies that are not honest with consumers about how their personal information is being used will be held accountable'.

The settlement comes as Elon Musk's $44 billion bid for Twitter remains in the balance, pending his receipt of stats and reassurance about the percentage of spam and fake accounts on the network. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey announced last week that he was stepping down from the Board despite believing that Musk's takeover and commitment to preserving free speech represent 'the right path'; but this week Twitter shareholders have announced they will sue the world's richest man for irresponsibly and unlawfully tweeting about the deal and the company's problems, allegedly with the effect of driving down the share price and the amount he'll have to pay.
Web site: www.twitter.com .