The FTC alleged in 2019 that Facebook violated a 2012 FTC order by deceiving users about their ability to control the privacy of their information. In 2023 the FTC alleged that an independent assessor found gaps and weaknesses in Facebook's privacy program under the 2020 order and that Facebook misrepresented parental controls in Messenger Kids, and it proposed tightening the order.
As of 30 October 2026 Meta's challenge to the FTC's attempt to modify the 2020 order was pending before Judge Timothy Kelly in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, with supplemental briefing completed in May 2026 and a hearing set for 12 November 2026 according to Meta's Form 10-Q. No ruling was identified.
Announcement of complaint and proposed stipulated order, referred to the Department of Justice. The Commission voted 3 to 2 to refer a complaint and settlement imposing a $5 billion civil penalty and a 20 year order with board privacy committee, compliance certifications, independent assessor and product privacy reviews. Commissioners Chopra and Slaughter dissented.
Memorandum Opinion and Order granting the Consent Motion for Entry of Stipulated Order, United States v. Facebook, Inc., No. 1:19-cv-02184 (Judge Timothy J. Kelly). Entered the stipulated order. The court noted that Facebook does not admit the allegations in the complaint and said this does not suggest the resolution is unfair.
Order to Show Cause, In re Facebook, Inc. (Docket C-4365). The Commission voted 3 to 0 to issue an order to show cause why the 2020 order should not be modified, proposing among other things a bar on profiting from data of users under 18 and a pause on new products until the assessor confirms compliance. The FTC said it would decide later whether modification is in the public interest.
Order (ECF No. 61) and Memorandum Opinion, United States v. Facebook, Inc., No. 1:19-cv-02184 (Judge Timothy J. Kelly). Denied Facebook's motion to enforce the stipulated order and to enjoin the FTC's reopening proceeding, finding that the 2020 FTC administrative order was not made part of the stipulated order, so the court lacked jurisdiction over challenges to it.
United States v. Facebook, Inc., No. 23-5280, 136 F.4th 1129 (opinion by Senior Judge Randolph, with Judges Rao and Walker). The court held that the FTC administrative order (Attachment A) was part of the 2020 stipulated order, so the district court retained jurisdiction, and it reversed the jurisdictional dismissal and remanded for consideration of Facebook's claims on the merits.
Order staying the Order to Show Cause proceeding (as described in Meta's Form 10-Q). Stayed the modification proceeding pending final resolution of the two court cases Meta filed against it.
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Last updated 30 October 2026. Spotted an error? See corrections. Every event links to the record it comes from. Allegations are attributed to whoever made them.