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Ireland’s Data Control DPC has imposed two fines on Meta totaling €390 million for privacy breaches on Facebook and Instagram. According to the regulator, users weren’t clear what exactly happened to their data.
The watchdog investigation began after two complaints against Meta were filed on May 25, 2018, including one by an Austrian privacy activist. On that day, the European rules on privacy (GDPR) also came into force.
The complainants argued that users were forced to agree to Instagram and Facebook’s new terms or else they would no longer be able to use the platforms. Those conditions stated that users gave permission to use their personal data.
Not transparent enough
The regulator disagreed with the complainants on the point of forced consent, but found that Facebook and Instagram were not transparent enough about how and for what purpose they use personal data. This is in violation of European privacy laws.
Facebook is then fined 210 million euros and Instagram 180 million euros. Mark Zuckerberg’s company will also have three months to comply with the conditions.
Meta, like many other big tech companies, has an office in Ireland due to the favorable tax system. For this reason, the regulatory authority applies the European privacy standards. It is the fifth time that Meta has been fined by the Irish watchdog.
