INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Italian Antitrust Authority fines Meta €3.5M for violations of the Italian Consumer Code.
The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) issued its decision in which it imposed a fine of €3.5 million on Meta Platforms Inc. and Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. for unfair commercial practices constituting a violation of the Italian Consumer Code.
The AGCM noted that after receiving some reports, it had started a preliminary investigation on April 28, 2023. The AGCM stated that the following claims were being investigated: (1) in relation to new Instagram users, the information provided to new users related to the collection and use of their data for commercial purposes, including information generated by the user's use of other Meta apps and third-party websites/apps was incomplete; (2) in relation to existing Instagram and Facebook users: Meta did not provide adequate notice and justification for the suspension of accounts; and Meta did not provide adequate and effective assistance to recover accounts in cases where users are no longer able to access such accounts.
The AGCM found that Meta had not provided users with clear information during the registration phase regarding the collection and use of their personal data for commercial purposes. Additionally, it found that with existing users, in the event of Facebook and Instagram accounts getting suspended, no useful communication was provided to users relating to how Meta decides to suspend accounts or the possibility of contesting the suspension.
In light of the above, the AGCM concluded that Meta violated Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Italian Consumer Code and imposed a fine of €3.5 million.
The AGCM noted that after receiving some reports, it had started a preliminary investigation on April 28, 2023. The AGCM stated that the following claims were being investigated: (1) in relation to new Instagram users, the information provided to new users related to the collection and use of their data for commercial purposes, including information generated by the user's use of other Meta apps and third-party websites/apps was incomplete; (2) in relation to existing Instagram and Facebook users: Meta did not provide adequate notice and justification for the suspension of accounts; and Meta did not provide adequate and effective assistance to recover accounts in cases where users are no longer able to access such accounts.
The AGCM found that Meta had not provided users with clear information during the registration phase regarding the collection and use of their personal data for commercial purposes. Additionally, it found that with existing users, in the event of Facebook and Instagram accounts getting suspended, no useful communication was provided to users relating to how Meta decides to suspend accounts or the possibility of contesting the suspension.
In light of the above, the AGCM concluded that Meta violated Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Italian Consumer Code and imposed a fine of €3.5 million.
