Meta

EDPB Issues Guidance to Data Protection Regulators on Meta’s ‘Consent or Pay’ Model: “Real Choice” Must Be Offered

May 6, 2024

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued non-binding guidance that finds Meta's 'consent or pay' model is unlikely to be found valid if the only choice for consumers is to either give up all of their personal data, or pay a subscription fee for privacy.

Data Protection News

New GDPR Complaint Filed Against Meta by noyb; Company Accused of Ignoring Right to Withdraw Consent With “Privacy Fee”

January 18, 2024

noyb's GDPR complaint asserts Meta’s privacy fee makes it impossible for existing service users to withdraw consent without paying. That in turn flies in the face of a GDPR stipulation (found in Article 7).

Data Protection News

noyb Challenging Meta’s Ad-Free Option in New GDPR Complaint

December 12, 2023

noyb notes that the ultimate outcome of this GDPR complaint could set a precedent that makes online privacy very expensive. If Meta's ad-free model is ultimately legitimized, it is likely that all other apps supported by targeted advertising will adopt the same scheme.

Data Protection News

Meta Behavioral Advertising Restrictions That Began in Norway Expand to EU Ban

November 6, 2023

Meta is now looking at an EU ban after the EDPB reached a decision on a case referred from Norway. The terms of the decision require Meta to stop behavioral advertising across most of the EU by November 10.

Data Protection News

Norwegian DPA Seeks to Expand Fine on Meta for Tracking Ads, Raises Possibility of an EU Ban

October 2, 2023

Fine imposed by the Norwegian data protection authority in August could be expanded to the entirety of the EU, subjecting Meta to extensive daily penalties until it makes big changes to tracking ads. Decision could potentially spark an EU ban.

Data Protection News

Blizzard of EU Regulation Triggers Changes at Meta, Company Will Now Obtain User Consent Before Serving Targeted Ads

August 16, 2023

Since the GDPR went into effect in 2018, Meta has done nearly everything possible to claim legitimate interest to avoid user consent for collecting personal information for targeted ads. The company appears to have finally reached the end of its rope in this area, though a recently announced changeover to a consent basis.

Woman's hand touching screen on tablet showing Meta fine in Australia for personal data usage

Data Protection News

Meta Fined $20 Million in Australia Over Personal Data Usage

August 3, 2023

Meta is facing a total of $20 million in fines in Australia due to misleading consumers about personal data usage. Facebook Israel and VPN service Onavo Protect promised to keep user data private and safe, but were sharing collected personal information with Meta for use in its targeted advertising systems.

Data Protection News

Meta Facing Severe Targeted Advertising Restrictions, Potential $100,000 Per Day Fine in Norway

July 27, 2023

For every day that Meta remains out of compliance during the 90-day period, it will be assessed the equivalent of $100,000. The fine period would run until the end of October, and should Meta be out of compliance for the full duration it would end up paying a total of $9 million.

Hammer and gavel on laptop showing antitrust law ruling on Meta

Data Protection News

Meta Runs Out of Rope on EU Antitrust Law Challenge, Regulatory Purview Expanded to Include Data Privacy Issues

July 14, 2023

Meta has now lost that case in the EU's highest court, opening the door for other antitrust law investigations in the bloc to incorporate data privacy violations and frame them as part of a systemic abuse of market position.

Data Privacy News

Newly-Launched Threads Already Raising Privacy Concerns With Sensitive Data Collection, Instagram Sharing

July 11, 2023

Privacy concerns may be getting lost in the stampede to find a 'better Twitter,' as researchers warn that Meta's new app collects much more sensitive personal information than comparable platforms.

Meta

EDPB Issues Guidance to Data Protection Regulators on Meta’s ‘Consent or Pay’ Model: “Real Choice” Must Be Offered

Meta Behavioral Advertising Restrictions That Began in Norway Expand to EU Ban

Meta Fined $20 Million in Australia Over Personal Data Usage

Newly-Launched Threads Already Raising Privacy Concerns With Sensitive Data Collection, Instagram Sharing

Russian Phishing Campaign Targets Messaging App Users to Steal Recovery Keys and Take Over Accounts

“Cyber Shield,” Britain’s Agentic AI Cyber Defense Project, Prepares for the World of Machine-Speed Attacks

Data Breach Hits AssuranceAmerica Exposing Personal Information of Nearly 7 Million People

Data Breach at Aflac Japan Impacts 4.38 Million Customers and Sales Agents