OSLO (Reuters) – Meta Platforms is reportedly in violation of European data privacy rules in Norway, according to the country’s data regulator, Datatilsynet. This case could have far-reaching implications across Europe.
The company has been facing a daily fine of one million crowns ($94,145) since August 14 for breaching users’ privacy by collecting user data and utilizing it for targeted advertising.
This type of targeted advertising, known as behavioural advertising, is a common business model among major technology companies.
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, is seeking a temporary injunction against the order that imposes the daily fine for the next three months.
The lawyer representing Datatilsynet, Hanne Inger Bjurstroem Jahren, stated that the fine is justified as Meta is not adhering to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“There is no doubt that the company is in violation of these rules… Today, Meta is breaching GDPR rules,” she stated during the final day of a two-day hearing.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Meta informed the court that it had already committed to obtaining user consent. However, Datatilsynet argued that it was unsure of when and how Meta would seek this consent, and in the meantime, users’ rights were being violated.
Datatilsynet has the authority to refer its decision to the European Data Protection Board, which could make the fine permanent if it agrees with the Norwegian regulator’s ruling. This would also extend the decision’s jurisdiction to the rest of Europe. However, Datatilsynet has not yet taken this step.
Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the European single market.
($1 = 10.6219 Norwegian crowns)
(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
