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Meta, others should give users free option without targeted ads, EU privacy watchdog says

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Meta, others should give users free option without targeted ads, EU privacy watchdog says

The EU privacy watchdog has stated that large online platforms, like Meta Platforms, should provide users with the option to use their services for free without targeted advertising. This comes in response to Meta's ad-free subscription service, which has been criticized. Privacy regulators have sought an opinion on the validity of such consent. The watchdog suggests that if companies charge for access to an equivalent ad-free alternative, they should also offer an additional free alternative without behavioral advertising. Offering only a binary choice may not fulfill requirements for valid consent under EU privacy rules.

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Related News

EU privacy watchdogs urged to oppose Meta's paid ad-free service

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

EU privacy watchdogs urged to oppose Meta's paid ad-free service

A group of 28 organizations, including privacy activist Max Schrems' advocacy group NOYB and the Electronic Privacy Information Centre, have sent a joint letter to the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), urging them to oppose Meta Platforms' no-ads subscription service in Europe. They argue that the pay-for-privacy model sets a dangerous precedent that could be followed by other companies and undermine EU privacy standards. Meta defends their service by stating that it aims to comply with EU rules and give users a choice regarding data collection and targeted ads.

Meta should offer free alternative options, EU's Breton says

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Meta should offer free alternative options, EU's Breton says

EU industry chief, Thierry Breton, has stated that Meta Platforms should provide free alternative options instead of introducing new fees to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. In response to criticism from rivals and users, Meta launched a no-ads subscription service in Europe last November.

Meta may allow Instagram, Facebook users in Europe to pay and avoid ads

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Meta may allow Instagram, Facebook users in Europe to pay and avoid ads

Meta is considering offering paid versions of Facebook and Instagram in the European Union without ads, responding to regulatory scrutiny. Users who pay for subscriptions would not see ads, providing an alternative to ad-based services that rely on analyzing user data. Meta would continue to offer free versions of the platforms with ads in the EU. This development reflects how government policies and regulations may result in different technology experiences in the US and Europe.

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta just got some bad news

Business Insider

Business Insider · 1y ago

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta just got some bad news

The European Commission has declared that Meta's "pay or consent" advertising model violates the Digital Markets Act in the European Union. The model allows users to either pay a fee to avoid seeing ads on Facebook and Instagram or continue using the free version with personalized ads. EU regulators argue that this binary choice forces users to consent to the combination of their personal data, without providing a less personalized option. Meta has the opportunity to respond to the preliminary findings, and if found non-compliant could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue.

Digital rights activists file complaints in Europe over Meta's targeted ads

Economic Times

Economic Times · 6m ago

Digital rights activists file complaints in Europe over Meta's targeted ads

Online rights activists have lodged complaints with data protection authorities in Norway, Germany, and Spain against Meta's targeted advertising practices. The Eko group alleges that Meta ignored explicit user requests to opt out of data collection. Meta, unaware of complaint specifics, maintains its commitment to data privacy. Despite introducing ad-free subscription options in Europe, the European Data Protection Board has questioned Meta's policy, urging EU regulators to enforce compliance for consumer rights protection.

Norway’s Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started

Wired · 1y ago

Norway’s Privacy Battle With Meta Is Just Getting Started

Norway's privacy watchdog, Datatilsynet, is investigating Meta's new ad-free subscription model just days after its launch in Europe. The country's data protection regulator, Line Coll, argues that the model is not a win for privacy as Meta will still track and collect user data. Coll expects the subscription to form a basis for a new case against Meta in Norway. Previously, Coll's team ruled that Meta's behavioral advertising in Norway was illegal and fined the company $100,000 per day until it changed its business model. The European Data Protection Board extended Norway's ban on Meta's behavioral advertising to all 30 countries within the EU and European Economic Area.

Meta's 'consent or pay' tactic must not prevail over privacy, EU rights groups warn

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Meta's 'consent or pay' tactic must not prevail over privacy, EU rights groups warn

Ahead of a meeting of the European Data Protection Board, several civil society groups and nonprofits have written an open letter urging the bloc’s data protection bodies not to endorse a tactic used by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The tactic, known as “consent or pay”, requires users to agree to tracking in order to use the platforms without ads. The groups argue that this strategy undermines data protection regulations and privacy in Europe. Meta claims that the tactic is compliant with EU laws.

Meta targeted in privacy complaints by 8 EU consumer groups

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Meta targeted in privacy complaints by 8 EU consumer groups

Privacy complaints have been lodged against Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, by eight EU consumer groups. They accuse the company of violating privacy rules by collecting and using user data without proper consent. The consumer bodies argue that Meta is failing to comply with the GDPR regulations on fair processing, data minimisation, and purpose limitation. Additionally, they criticize Meta's introduction of paid ad-free subscriptions, arguing that it forces users to pay for privacy. The groups are calling on data protection authorities to take action against Meta's data processing practices, which they believe infringe on people's fundamental rights.

Spain's data protection agency suspends two of Meta's EU election apps

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Spain's data protection agency suspends two of Meta's EU election apps

Spain's data protection watchdog, AEPD, has ordered the suspension of two planned Meta products on Instagram and Facebook, citing potential violations of Spanish data protection laws. The apps, Election Day Information (EDI) and Voter Information Unit (VIU), were intended to send notifications to all eligible users in the European Union, reminding them to vote. However, AEPD stated that Meta's data processing practices were in breach of data protection principles and unnecessarily targeted certain users, such as EU citizens living abroad and non-EU citizens in Europe. Meta has not yet responded to the order.

Now the EU is asking questions about Meta's 'pay or be tracked' consent model

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Now the EU is asking questions about Meta's 'pay or be tracked' consent model

The European Union (EU) has sent Facebook and Instagram owner Meta a formal request for information (RFI) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), regarding its controversial "pay or be tracked" consent model. The EU is seeking more details about the "Subscription for no Ads options" provided to users, particularly regarding Meta's compliance with obligations related to advertising practices, recommender systems, and risk assessments. The ad-free subscription model requires users to pay monthly fees or agree to be tracked for targeted advertising, which has raised concerns about informed and freely given consent under EU data protection law. Complaints have been filed against Meta for potential breaches of data and consumer protection laws. The EU's RFI comes as part of its role in enforcing the DSA's rules for larger online platforms.

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