Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has filed a lawsuit against them by Datatilsynet, a data protection authority in Norway.
The lawsuit involves 1 million crowns fine per day for alleged privacy breaches, highlighting the broader implications of digital privacy regulations and the influence of tech conglomerates. This legal battle could impact data protection in Europe.
(Photo: STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) This photo illustration created in Washington, DC, on July 6, 2023, shows the opening page of Threads, an Instagram app, near the Meta logo.
Charges Against Meta
Meta Platforms are the subject of debate for violating user privacy by exploiting sensitive data for behavioral advertising. The Norwegian data protection regulator, Datatilsynet, asserts that this procedure infringes on individuals' right to privacy and undermines national data protection legislation.
The regulatory body has fined Meta Platforms heavily and forbidden it from using this data harvesting practice inside of Norway.
Meta's Pleads
To gain time and avoid financial consequences, Meta Platforms is requesting a temporary injunction to stop the penalties levied by the regulatory action. On August 22, the matter will be presented in court during a two-day hearing.
Parties Involved
The conflict between digital privacy campaigners and IT monopolies is highlighted by the legal battle between Meta Platforms and Datatilsynet.
While Datatilsynet is still devoted to the principles of data security, Meta Platforms is requesting a delay in the penalties. There is no legitimate basis for an injunction, according to Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet's foreign division.
Whether Big Tech companies may contest the power of data protection watchdogs will depend on the court's ruling.
The referral of Datatilsynet to the European Data Protection Board may result in permanent fines and territorial implications for the whole European Union, with implications that go beyond Norway.
If the European Data Protection Board concurs, Meta Platforms' actions may be scrutinized and constrained across the EU, marking a triumph for data privacy campaigners looking to reduce the power of tech giants.
