Italy’s antitrust regulator AGCM has imposed a fine on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for what it described as unfair commercial practices. The watchdog announced its decision on Wednesday, highlighting that Instagram users were not adequately informed about the use of their personal data for commercial purposes.
The AGCM’s investigation found that Facebook and Instagram users were also not provided with sufficient information on how they could contest suspensions of their accounts. These practices, the regulator stated, violated user rights and transparency standards.
In response to the ruling, Meta has stated that it has already addressed the issues raised by the AGCM. A Meta spokesperson commented, “We disagree with the Italian competition authority’s decision and are assessing our options.” The spokesperson further mentioned that since August 2023, Meta has implemented several changes specifically for Italian users to increase transparency regarding how the company uses data to display advertising on Instagram.
The AGCM’s decision underscores the ongoing scrutiny of big tech companies and their data practices. Regulators globally are increasingly holding these companies accountable for ensuring user rights and data protection.
Meta’s proactive steps to enhance transparency and address the regulator’s concerns reflect a broader trend of tech companies adapting to stricter regulatory environments. As the company reviews its options, the fine from Italy’s antitrust authority serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and compliance with data protection laws.
