Meta Fined by South Korea for Collecting User Data Without Consent
South Korea’s data watchdog, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), has fined Meta over $15 million for illegally collecting sensitive information from users. According to PIPC, Meta collected data on approximately 980,000 Facebook users without their explicit consent and shared it with advertisers, violating the country’s strict data privacy regulations.
Meta Accused of Misusing Sensitive User Information
PIPC’s investigation found that Meta gathered data on political opinions, religious beliefs, and users’ adult lives, areas deemed highly sensitive under South Korean privacy laws. These laws strictly prohibit the collection or use of such information without clear user consent. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is required to seek explicit permission from users before handling such data.
Legal Breach and Data Privacy Implications
The data watchdog cited Meta for violating regulations that protect users from unauthorized data handling, emphasizing the potential misuse of such information. By sharing this sensitive data with advertisers, Meta could have compromised user privacy and trust.
Fines and Future Enforcement
The $15 million fine reflects South Korea’s commitment to enforcing data privacy rules and holding companies accountable. This penalty follows other global regulatory actions against Meta, highlighting a trend of increasing scrutiny over data privacy practices.
Meta’s Response and the Road Ahead
While Meta has yet to release a detailed response, it faces a growing number of penalties and regulatory issues worldwide. This ruling reinforces the importance of transparency in data handling, especially in regions with strict privacy laws like South Korea.
