Connecticut Attorney General William Tong led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in demanding that Facebook disclose whether members of the 'Disinformation Dozen' were granted XCheck protections, which allow users to bypass enforcement rules. The coalition seeks information on the extent of anti-vaccine content from whitelisted users and complaint outcomes.
Facebook is required to provide detailed information about its XCheck program, including whether specific individuals received whitelist protections, the amount of anti-vaccine content from such accounts, and user complaint resolutions.
In-house legal teams should review vendor and customer agreements with Facebook (Meta), particularly those involving content moderation, advertising, or platform access. Focus on clauses related to enforcement consistency, user exemptions, rule application transparency, and complaint resolution processes. Specific clauses to examine include those governing content takedown procedures, account suspension/restoration, special access programs (like whitelisting), and representations about equal enforcement. Changes may be needed to require disclosure of any whitelisted accounts or preferential treatment, ensure enforcement rules apply uniformly, and add audit rights to monitor compliance with stated moderation policies.
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Also known as: Meta
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Social MediaOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2021-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-seeks-answers-on-facebook-xcheck-protections-for-disinformation-dozen
facebook xcheck letter final signed oct 13 2021.pdf?rev=734c
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2021/facebook-xcheck-letter-final-signed-oct-13-2021.pdf?rev=734c990652e64966a7d5adab5dfe3c2b&hash=F3B353EF77DC44755AA8960B78339B66
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
The New Jersey Attorney General announced an investigation into how the personal information of millions of Facebook users was harvested and obtained by Cambridge Analytica, a UK-based data analytics company. The AG expressed concern that Facebook may have allowed the harvesting and monetization of user data despite promises to keep it secure.
$625K
Connecticut reached a $625,000 settlement with Frontier Communications Parent Inc. over an April 2024 breach in which compromised employee and vendor credentials were used to access internal systems and exfiltrate unencrypted personal information of 58,841 Connecticut residents. The settlement requires Frontier to strengthen its security program, implement specific safeguards and training, and obtain an independent third-party assessment.
$2.6M
Connecticut and New York found that Boston Children’s Health Physicians and its security vendor, XTIUM, failed to use reasonable safeguards, resulting in hackers accessing sensitive personal, medical, and employee information. The companies agreed to pay penalties totaling $2.64 million and implement enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Connecticut joined a coalition of state attorneys general filing a notice in Character Technologies, Inc.’s bankruptcy proceedings, raising concerns about the company’s safety and privacy practices and the sensitive information it holds. The states seek protections for children and consumers if the company’s business or assets are sold or transferred; the filing does not impose a fine or other remedy.
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman petitioned PURA to review how Connecticut public utilities use artificial intelligence, citing potential data privacy and cybersecurity risks, algorithmic errors, and misleading outputs. The petition asks PURA to examine utility AI systems, safeguards, vendors, and data security practices; it does not report a finding of violation or an imposed penalty.
$2.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a settlement with RZ Smoke, Inc. over allegations that it distributed and sold high-potency cannabis products without a state license. The stipulated judgment is $2 million, with $375,000 payable to the State and $1.6 million suspended to ensure compliance; the company is barred from specified cannabis activities in Connecticut unless licensed.