The FTC is reportedly considering hitting Facebook with a 'record-setting' fine over privacy issues

Andrew Harnik/AP

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pours a glass of water as he testifies before a joint hearing of the Commerce and Judiciary Committees on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Facebook's privacy nightmare may be about to get worse.

According to a new report from The Washington Post published Friday, regulators at the US Federal Trade Commission are considering hitting Facebook with a "record-setting" fine over user privacy concerns.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

There's no word yet on exactly how big this record-breaking fine might be, but the Washington Post's report said it is "expected to be much larger" than the previous record fine, a $22.5 million penalty against Google.

A Facebook spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FTC is not available for comment due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.

In March 2018, the FTC confirmed that it was investigating Facebook's privacy practices following the Cambridge Analytica scanda, in which tens of millions of users' data was misappropriated by a political research firm.

This story is developing...

Do you work at Facebook? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via Signal or WhatsApp at +1 (650) 636-6268 using a non-work phone, email at rprice@businessinsider.com, Telegram or WeChat at robaeprice, or Twitter DM at @robaeprice. (PR pitches by email only, please.) You can also contact Business Insider securely via SecureDrop.