FTC Slaps Facebook With $5 Billion Fine For Privacy Issues

MENLO PARK, CA — As threatened, the Federal Trade Commission leveled Facebook with a $5 billion fine — the largest amount given to a tech firm, the Washington Post reported last week.

Beyond the amount of the fine, the long-expected punishment will hinder the Menlo Park social media giant with more unwelcome restrictions and scrutiny, the Post added.

The fine stems from privacy violations and purported mishandling of user data, the FTC contends.

Facebook and the FTC have declined to comment, according to WaPo. The 3-2 vote broke along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition to the settlement, according to the reports.

Read the full Washington Post story.

See also

• Feds May Thrust Billions In Fines On Facebook: Report