Digital DNA

An Analysis of Patel v. Facebook in an Age of Rapid Technological Innovation and Big Business Power

Abstract

      Conversations surrounding the use of biometric data have increasingly plagued the international business and technological sectors. Controlling the use of uniquely sensitive data has presented various challenges, most notably creating legislation that aptly responds to future dilemmas regarding the collection, storage, and sale of biometrics. Patel v. Facebook pinpoints a shifting business climate to better reflect the interests of individual users. While large social media companies have the legal, monetary, and political resources to pursue lengthy trials, many opt for motions to dismiss or choose to settle cases. This creates a grey area in the establishment of precedent while revealing social media platforms’ ultimate disinterest in ensuring user data protections. Social media users must become the priority of legislation addressing biometric data, with technology companies remaining absent from dictating legislative diction to preserve consumer protections.