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Facebook, FTC reportedly negotiating massive fine to settle privacy issues

The multibillion-dollar fine would be the largest ever imposed by the FTC, according to The Washington Post.

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abrar-al-heeti2
Abrar Al-Heeti Video producer / CNET
Abrar Al-Heeti is a video host and producer for CNET, with an interest in internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. Before joining the video team, she was a writer for CNET's culture team. She graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Though Illinois is home, she now loves San Francisco -- steep inclines and all.
Expertise Abrar has spent her career at CNET breaking down the latest trends on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram, while also reporting on diversity and inclusion initiatives in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Credentials
  • Named a Tech Media Trailblazer by the Consumer Technology Association in 2019, a winner of SPJ NorCal's Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2022 and has twice been a finalist in the LA Press Club's National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.
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Abrar Al-Heeti
2 min read
Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

 Gerard Julien / AFP/Getty Images

Facebook and the Federal Trade Commission are negotiating a multibillion-dollar fine to settle an investigation into the social network's privacy practices, The Washington Post reported Thursday. 

It'd be the largest fine ever imposed by the agency, according to the Post, though the exact amount hasn't yet been determined. Facebook was initially concerned with the FTC's demands, a person familiar with the matter told the publication. If the two parties don't come to an agreement, the FTC could reportedly take legal action. 

A Facebook representative said the company isn't commenting on the Post report, but added: "We are cooperating with officials in the US, UK, and beyond. We've provided public testimony, answered questions, and pledged to continue our assistance as their work continues." 

The FTC declined to comment.

The FTC began investigating Facebook last year after it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a digital consultancy linked to the Trump presidential campaign, improperly accessed data from as many as 87 million Facebook users. The agency is looking into whether Facebook's actions violated a 2011 agreement with the government in which it pledged to improve its privacy practices. Facebook has said it didn't violate the consent decree. 

Under the agreement, Facebook agreed to get permission from users before sharing their data with third parties. In addition, the tech giant is required to have a third party conduct audits every two years for the next 20 years to ensure the program is effective.  

Facebook reportedly could reach a deal with the government by agreeing to pay a fine and altering some of its business practices. A judge would have to approve the settlement, according to the Post. The FTC could impose new rules forcing Facebook to go through more stringent, regular checkups to ensure it's in compliance with the settlement, people familiar with the matter told the Post. Alternatively, the tech giant could reportedly opt to challenge the FTC over its findings and suggested penalties.

The FTC's last record-setting fine against a tech company for breaking a privacy agreement was reportedly against Google in 2012, for $22.5 million.

First published Feb. 14, 3:08 p.m. PT.
Update, 3:27 p.m.: Adds details throughout. 
Update, Feb. 19 at 3:38 p.m.: Adds that the FTC declined to comment.