Another fine for Meta and, once again, for a matter for which it has been questioned on countless occasions: the protection of its users’ data. On this occasion, the complaint has started from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) which has sanctioned the technology giant with 390 million euros.
An amount that is added to the 265 million that DPC already fined in November due to deficiencies in the protection of users’ personal data. And another in September, with 405 million euros for not managing minor data on Instagram as it should.
The exact reason this time? An old acquaintance of Mark Zuckerberg’s company: violating the data protection regulations of the two most important social networks in the West, Instagram and Facebook.
The DPC has been clear. In a resolution sent to the Meta delegation in Dublin, it has urged the company to comply yes or yes with the regulations on data processing operations. And also reassess the legal bases on which advertising is managed based on the personal data of the users. All this with a time of three months for its fulfillment.
The DPC fine, which also acts as the main regulator of most companies in the world in the European Union, has sanctioned Meta with 210 million euros for violating Facebook’s general data protection regulation. And, on the other hand, 180 million euros for violations on Instagram.
In its analysis, the regulatory entity argues that Meta does not clearly inform users, so they They do not know very well what operations and actions are carried out with their personal data. Neither what is done with them, nor what are the objectives.
Meta has work ahead of her. However, it is not the first time that she has been warned about it. Starting this week, she has a few months ahead to ensure that she will not use personal data for advertising purposes to users who are registered in her applications.
How did the suspicions start?
Are Sanctions originate in 2018, in two complaints that were filed with the services offered by Instagram and Facebook. One about an issue that occurred in Belgium with Instagram, and on the other, the complaint from an Austrian NGO. Both complaints filed after the entry into force of the data protection regulations.
Despite this, Meta may continue to use personal information for the purpose of personalizing ads. for its users, but not before asking its users for their express consent and that they can withdraw said consent when they consider it.
The non-profit privacy advocacy group NOYB (None of Your Business), known above all in the UK for its fight against Meta, has celebrated these latest sanctions. Assuring that it is a “huge” financial blow for the company, which depends 98% on advertising.
Max Schrems, Honorary Chairman of Noyb, has commented that Facebook and Instagram users in the EU must now be asked if they want their data used for ads: “This is a huge blow to Meta’s profits in the EU. (…) users should have a “yes or no” option and can change their mind at any time. The decision also guarantees a level playing field
