In a revealing assessment by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), both social media and video streaming services have been found to engage in extensive surveillance of their users, posing significant privacy risks, particularly to minors. This surveillance primarily involves the collection and monetization of user data, a practice that has become increasingly scrutinized as concerns over digital privacy grow.

The FTC report highlights the aggressive data harvesting tactics employed by these platforms, which are not fully transparent to users, especially younger demographics. This practice is primarily driven by the economic model of these services, which heavily rely on personalized advertising fueled by detailed user data.

This issue is not just a matter of personal privacy, but it also raises questions about the broader societal impact, especially how the exposure to and the handling of this data affects children and teenagers, who might not be fully aware of or able to understand the implications of their online activities.

Simultaneously, in a separate development showcasing the expansive reach of streaming services, SEG Media announced the launch of a new subscription streaming service, UtahHC+, which will stream all games for the Utah Hockey Club, the NHL's newest franchise. This service represents how niche markets are increasingly being catered to by specialized streaming offerings, creating more diverse and tailored viewing experiences for audiences.

Both the FTC’s findings and the launch of UtahHC+ exemplify the evolving landscape of digital streaming and content consumption, where the collection of user data and the expansion of service offerings continue to paint a complex picture of opportunities and challenges within the digital economy. These developments call for a balanced approach in managing user data privacy while fostering innovation in content delivery.