European consumer groups accuse Meta of collecting data illegally

Eight consumer groups belonging to the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) have accused Facebook and Instagram parent Meta of illegally collecting data from millions of users in Europe.

BEUC, which represents 45 consumer groups, filed complaints alleging Meta collects excessive user information without obtaining proper consent, including sensitive data such as users’ sexual orientation, emotional states or even their susceptibility to addiction.

The crux of the issue lies in the violation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates strict rules for data privacy.

Meta vehemently denies any wrongdoing, claiming that its data collection practices comply with GDPR.

Not the first time
Last year, the tech giant faced a $1.3 billion fine for breaching GDPR rules.

Additionally, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington DC in January to address concerns surrounding online child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms.