Meta punished Italians: Data collected on Facebook and Instagram

The Italian regulator for market competition, AGCM, imposed a fine of 3.5 million euros on Meta for failure to manage useful accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The regulator highlighted the collection of personal data for commercial purposes and the lack of clear information about how users could object to their accounts being suspended. Instagram did not immediately inform users about the collection of their personal data for commercial purposes, according to a statement published by AGCM on Tuesday.

AGCM emphasized that Meta did not specify whether decisions on the suspension of user accounts on Instagram and Facebook were based on automated or human analysis. Users were also not informed about the possibility of lodging complaints, and the deadline for filing complaints was only 30 days. The regulators explained that users did not know whether to file a complaint with a judge or an out-of-court dispute resolution body.

During the regulatory review process, Meta suspended the disputed practice. The company made changes for Italian users in August last year to provide clearer information on how data is used for personalized ads on Instagram and to offer users additional information and options to appeal a possible account suspension. A company spokesperson disagreed with the decision of AGCM and stated that they are exploring possible measures in response.