the guy who was forced to write the code didn't speak to their managers about potential implications
That isn't really the way things work in an agency/Fortune 500 relationship. What really happens is something like:
-> the development manager attempts to translate the implications of said software to an account manager who is directly responsible for client communication -> the account manager has little idea of what the development manager is talking about, which does not stop them from attempting to translate in turn to the client's marketing team -> the one tech representative from the client company listens to the translation in abject horror, knowing that any questions they ask will never be adequately answered -> everyone goes out for drinks on the agency's tab
This isn't a raging critique of the process, it's just what normally happens.
That said, Verizon got fined for a good reason.