The Competition and Market Authority has fined 3.5 million euros Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. and parent company Meta Platforms Inc. for two deceptive commercial practices regarding the creation and management of social network accounts Facebook and Instagram.
The Authority has ascertained that Halfin violation of articles 20, 21 and 22 of the Consumer Code, did not immediately inform users registered on Instagram via the web of the use of their personal data for commercial purposes.
Furthermore, the Authority ascertained that, in violation of article 20 of the Consumer Code, Meta did not accurately manage the suspension of its users’ Facebook and Instagram accounts. In particular, Meta has not indicated how it decides to suspend Facebook accounts (whether following an automated or “human” control) and has not provided Facebook and Instagram users with information on the possibility of contesting the suspension of their accounts (you can contact an out-of-court dispute resolution body or a judge). Finally, you have provided a short deadline (30 days) for the consumer to contest the suspension. These two practices were stopped by Meta during the proceedings.
”We disagree with the decision taken by the AGCM and are evaluating the possible actions to be taken. As early as August 2023, we have made changes for Italian users that address the issues raised by the Agcm. We’ve made it even more clear how we use data to show personalized ads on Instagram and provided users with additional information and options to appeal if their account is suspended. However, we welcome the recognition by the Agcm of the effectiveness of our solutions in helping people regain possession of their accounts”, underlines a Meta spokesperson in a note.
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