Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is required to pay a fine of approximately Rs 82 lakh in Indian currency every day.
This penalty is in relation to a privacy-related matter.
The fine has been imposed by Datatilsynet, Norway’s data protection authority, amounting to one million Norwegian krone (around Rs 82 lakh) per day from 4th August to 3rd November.
As per a report by Business Today, Meta will be obligated to pay this fine until the necessary actions are taken by the company.
Data Misuse and Illegal Practices
Datatilsynet has highlighted the improper use of user data as a significant concern, particularly the unauthorized utilization of users’ location data for advertising purposes.
While this practice is prevalent among various companies, the Norwegian authority deems it illegal.
Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsnet’s international section, emphasizes the need for immediate intervention.
He clearly states that the violation is unequivocally illegal and that further delay cannot be tolerated.
Meta to Review Decision as Fine is Imposed
In response to the decision by the Norwegian authority, Meta has expressed its intention to review the ruling.
The company claims that the fine will not have an immediate impact on its services.
However, ites is important to note that failure to comply with the decision may result in perpetual fin.
Additionally, the regional scope of the ruling could potentially extend across Europe.
The matter has been referred by Datatilsnet to the European Data Protection Board.
Potential Extended Scope and Impact on Meta’s Services
The penalties and consequences for Meta are likely to be swift, creating added pressure on the company.
This follows a previous ruling by the top court of the European Union, which prohibited Meta from collecting users’ data for behavioral advertising.
It is reported that in December, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), where Meta has its European headquarters, issued an order to cease this practice.
