🔐 EU Hits Meta with Major Fine
On December 16, 2024, the EU’s privacy watchdog fined Meta €251M ($267M) for a 2018 breach. The incident exposed 29M user accounts, with 3M in Europe. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission led the investigation, as Meta’s European headquarters is based in Dublin. The breach allowed hackers to exploit bugs in Facebook’s "View As" feature to steal access tokens, enabling unauthorized control of accounts.
📋 GDPR Violations at the Core
The fine stems from violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Meta was found responsible for inadequate protections and multiple infringements. According to the Irish watchdog, hackers used three bugs to exploit user profiles. GDPR's strict framework holds companies accountable for lapses in data security, leading to Meta’s penalties and reprimands.
⚡ Meta’s Response and Appeals
Meta emphasized its swift action to resolve the breach, stating, “We took immediate steps to fix the problem and informed affected users.” The company reported the issue to regulators and the FBI. Meta also plans to appeal the fine, asserting its commitment to data security improvements since 2018. However, critics argue the penalties reflect systemic failures to safeguard user information.
🌍 Global Implications for Privacy Laws
The case highlights growing scrutiny of tech giants under GDPR. It signals the EU’s commitment to holding firms accountable for protecting user data. Beyond Europe, regulators in the US and Asia are watching closely. This fine adds to Meta’s legal challenges, including a recent €14M penalty in South Korea. For users, it raises concerns about transparency and the security of personal information.
Should tech giants face harsher data breach fines?
