Norway data protection authority to fine Meta amid legal challenge News
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Norway data protection authority to fine Meta amid legal challenge

Norwegian data protection agency Datatilsynet told Reuters on Monday that Meta will be fined 1 million kroner per day starting from August 14 if it does not comply with the agency’s requests. This comes after Norway’s public broadcaster reported that Meta Platforms (Meta) is seeking to block a forthcoming fine from the agency, which was imposed against the company for transgressing user privacy rights.

Datatilsynet is advising against the use of Meta products due to perceived shortcomings in security and user confidentiality. The agency contends that Facebook, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, fails to align with the stipulations set forth in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, a cornerstone of European privacy legislation.

Furthermore, Datatilsynet has instituted a prohibition on the conduct of targeted advertising, known as behavioral advertisements, within the borders of Norway. It argues that both Facebook and Instagram use such advertising practices within the country.

This is not the first instance where Meta has been accused of breaching privacy rights. Ireland’s data protection commission previously raised grievances concerning the company’s conduct involving behavioral advertising. Allegations were made that the corporation adjusted its algorithms, yet subsequent examination by European courts established that these modifications still fell short of adhering to European privacy norms.

Datatilsynet has said that its decision to fine Meta will take effect on August 14 and will remain operative until November 3. Meta Platforms has not released any official statement.