Rethinking Data Regulation

How Much Personal Information Does Social Media Really Collect?

By Amanda Sebesta
Published on October 19, 2026

A woman in a blue blazer standing in front of a TV, smiling confidently. She is wearing a black top and the background is slightly blurred, suggesting that the focus of the image is on the woman, who is identified as Dr. Shabana Azmi, the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Times. — Leila Hosseini, Assistant Professor & Bauer Fellow, Department of Decision & Information Sciences

Leila Hosseini, Assistant Professor & Bauer Fellow, Department of Decision & Information Sciences

Do you ever wonder how much of your personal information social media platforms are collecting about you?

Assistant Professor & Bauer Fellow Leila Hosseini explores how regulating social media companies' use of personal data can have unintended consequences on the latest episode of Bauer Business Focus.

"Social media platforms rely on personal data to keep users engaged. That’s why policymakers around the world are trying to limit how companies can use that information. But regulation can have some surprising effects” she said.

Hosseini added: “In some cases, limiting certain uses of data may encourage platforms to collect more user information while also increasing demand for services and boosting profits. At the same time, these regulations can still improve users’ overall well-being.”

To hear the full segment, click here.