Facebook wrong to use biometric data

I read the article in The Tyler Morning Telegraph (July 31) about Attorney General Ken Paxton nailing a conviction against Facebook and other social-media groups who collect users biometric data without their informed consent as required by state law.

I applaud that decision against Facebook. I am not much for taking and posting pictures anyway on social media. Mainly because I am not that photogenic. But secondly, I just don’t want dimensions of my physical form to be digitally reproduced, modified or spread. In our current stage of technology, realistic “deep fakes” can fool even experts. I simply don’t want myself or others placed in jeopardy.

I truly think that this is an international problem which will have to be addressed in the years to come. It’s not just a privacy concern, it is a concern that images could be altered to frame innocent people.

Although I use Facebook and find it a handy tool for keeping in touch with family and friends, I think it is a double-edged sword which must be safeguarded. I actually think that some ‘reels’ should be rated similar to movies for sex, dialogue and mature audiences. Some of what is displayed is repugnant.

Sadly, in this political year, viewers are addicted to comical spoofs. However, I wish the creators would use a bit of taste and restraint. Not everything shown is fit to be seen.

James Marples

Longview