Italy fines Meta $887 million over Android users' data access
Italy's data protection agency has fined Meta 805 million euros for accessing Android users' photos and videos without proper consent. Meta plans to appeal the decision, calling the fine disproportionate.
Why it matters
This ruling underscores the ongoing regulatory tension between European authorities and Big Tech regarding user privacy and data handling practices.
Italy's data protection agency said on Saturday it had fined Meta Platforms 805 million euros ($887 million) after finding the company had accessed Android users' photographs and videos without obtaining their consent or informing them.
Meta had access to Android users' photos and videos through a Facebook app feature that suggested content from users' personal galleries that they could post, the authority said in a statement
Meta has 60 days to disable the feature by default and seek users' consent separately, it said.
A Meta spokesperson said the company would appeal, strongly disagreeing with the authority's decision and calling the fine "disproportionate."
"This is a simple feature that helps people share photos and videos on Facebook. Users must grant permission on their device before the feature can operate, and they can change that permission at any time in their settings," the spokesperson said in a statement.
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Italy Penalizes Meta With Massive Fine Over Photo Access
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