Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces a potential fine of $100,000 per day for privacy violations, according to Norway’s data protection authority. The warning was issued on Monday and indicates the fine will be imposed starting August 4 and continuing until November 3 unless corrective measures are implemented.
Datatilsynet, Norway’s regulatory body, stated that Meta is prohibited from collecting user data such as physical locations to facilitate targeted advertising, a method known as behavioral advertising, widely utilized in the tech industry.
“It is abundantly clear that this is unlawful, necessitating immediate intervention. We cannot afford further delays,” said Tobias Judin, head of international affairs at Datatilsynet, in an interview with Reuters.
In response, Meta has indicated it will review the decision from Datatilsynet, claiming there would be no immediate changes to its services.
The actions of Datatilsynet have been referred to the European Data Protection Board. If approved, this could solidify the fine and extend the ruling’s applicability across Europe.
“This would intensify scrutiny on Meta,” Judin noted.
Datatilsynet’s action comes in the wake of a ruling by the European Union’s highest court, which determined that Meta cannot use user data for behavioral advertising purposes.
In December, the Irish Data Protection Commission, where Meta’s European headquarters is located, mandated the company cease these practices.
Meta commented, “We continue to engage constructively with the Irish DPC, our primary EU regulator, concerning compliance with its directives. The ongoing discussions about legal frameworks have created considerable regulatory uncertainty for businesses.”
Although Norway is not an EU member, it is part of the European single market.
This development was initially reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
