Meta's revised paid ad-free service may breach EU privacy laws, consumer group says
BEUC argues that the service may be seen as a "pay-for-privacy" model, where users are forced to pay a premium to protect their personal data. This, the group claims, is in breach of the GDPR's principle that personal data should be protected as a fundamental right, rather than a commodity that can be bought and sold.
Additionally, BEUC is concerned that the service may not provide users with sufficient control over their personal data, as required by the GDPR. The group argues that users should have the right to opt out of personalized ads without having to pay a fee, and that the service may be seen as a way for Meta to circumvent this right.
The European Commission has also expressed concerns about the service, stating that it will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that Meta is complying with EU privacy laws. The Commission has warned that if the service is found to be in breach of the GDPR or DSA, it could face significant fines and other penalties.
Meta has responded to the concerns, stating that the service is designed to provide users with more control over their personal data and that it is compliant with EU privacy laws. However, the company has not provided further details on how the service will work or how it will ensure that users' personal data is protected.
The controversy surrounding Meta's paid ad-free service highlights the ongoing debate about the use of personal data in online advertising and the need for greater transparency and control over how this data is used. As the EU continues to strengthen its privacy laws and regulations, companies like Meta will need to ensure that they are complying with these rules to avoid significant fines and reputational damage.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/metas-revised-paid-ad-free-service-may-breach-eu-privacy-laws-consumer-group-2025-01-23/