Ethical Hacking News
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined €805 million by the Italian data protection authority, the Garante, for accessing Android gallery data without explicit consent. The fine is a significant penalty for the tech giant and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to data protection regulations and prioritizing users' privacy and consent.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined €805 million by the Italian data protection authority (Garante) for accessing Italian users' Android galleries without explicit consent. The Garante found that Meta's Android gallery feature allowed unauthorized access to users' phone galleries and suggested photos and videos for posting. The fine represents approximately 0.47% of Meta's global revenue and serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing users' privacy and consent. The Garante's order requires Meta to take corrective actions, including seeking explicit consent, explaining the feature's purpose, and keeping the feature off by default. The imposition of the fine underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry, particularly when it comes to the collection and use of personal data.
The Italian data protection authority, known as the Garante, has recently imposed a significant fine on Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for allegedly accessing the Android gallery of Italian users without their explicit consent. The fine, which amounts to approximately €805 million, represents a substantial penalty for the tech giant's failure to adhere to the country's data protection regulations.
The Garante's investigation into the matter revealed that Meta's Android gallery feature, which was available since 2023, allowed the app to access users' phone galleries and suggest photos and videos for posting, all without their prior consent. The agency found that the feature was enabled by default and that the app's access to Italian users' galleries was not limited to the intended purpose of the feature. This lack of transparency and the unauthorized access to users' personal data have led to the imposition of the hefty fine.
The Garante's order, which was issued in November 2026, requires Meta to take several corrective actions within a specified timeframe. Firstly, the company is required to ask for consent through a separate, specific request for the feature, and to explain clearly what the feature is for, that it accesses the gallery, and how to turn it off. Secondly, the company is required to keep the feature off by default, including for people who have already granted the permission. Finally, the company is required to report to the authority on the work it has started and on the measures it has taken within the specified timeframe.
The imposition of this fine serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to data protection regulations and the need for companies to prioritize users' privacy and consent. The Garante's decision also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry, particularly when it comes to the collection and use of personal data.
Meta, in a statement, has expressed its intention to appeal the fine, calling it "disproportionate." However, the Garante's order remains in effect, and the company is required to take immediate action to rectify the situation.
It is worth noting that the fine is a significant penalty for Meta, representing approximately 0.47% of the group's global revenue. However, the Garante's decision is seen as a necessary measure to protect Italian users' rights and to ensure that the company adheres to the country's data protection regulations.
In conclusion, the imposition of the €805 million fine on Meta by the Garante serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing users' privacy and consent in the tech industry. The corrective actions required by the agency will help to ensure that the company adheres to data protection regulations and prioritizes users' rights.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Italy-Imposes-Hefty-805-Million-Fine-on-Meta-for-Android-Gallery-Access-Violation-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2026/11/italy-fines-meta-805-million-over.html
Published: Sun Nov 15 07:22:50 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
