Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, is scheduled to appear in a Norwegian court on Tuesday in an ongoing legal maneuver. The tech behemoth intends to appeal a significant sentence imposed by Norway's data regulator. The case centers around charges of privacy infringement perpetrated by Meta Platforms, which might have ramifications for other European digital businesses.
Meta Platforms has been facing a daily fine of 1 million crowns ($94,313) since August 14th as a result of its alleged data-collecting methods and subsequent use of behavioral advertising. This advertising model, which involves targeting users based on their online behavior, is a familiar tactic among major tech firms collectively known as Big Tech.
In its defense, Meta Platforms is seeking a temporary injunction to halt the enforcement of the fine. This injunction, if granted, would remain in effect until November 3rd.
As of August 1st, the firm stated that it will seek agreement from users in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) before implementing behavioral advertising tactics. This decision was made in reaction to rising criticism and legal action about the company's data practices.
In an email to Reuters, Meta Platforms noted, "We have already announced our intention to transition to the legal basis of Consent for personalized advertising for people in the EU and EEA."
On the opposing side, the Norwegian data regulator, Datatilsynet, is steadfast in defending the imposed fine. The regulator asserts that the manner and timing in which Meta Platforms intends to obtain user consent for behavioral advertising remain unclear. During this interim period, Datatilsynet contends that users' rights are being infringed upon.
Tobias Judin, the head of Datatilsynet's foreign branch, stated that the regulator will dispute the injunction request. "Datatilsynet will argue that there is no basis for an injunction," he told Reuters in an interview.
If Datatilsynet decides to take the issue to the European Data Protection Board, the situation might worsen. If it agrees with the Norwegian regulator's judgment, this higher body has the right to make the fine permanent. If such a judgment is made, it might have far-reaching consequences throughout Europe. However, Datatilsynet has not yet taken this step.
The judicial hearings are scheduled to last two days in the Oslo district court. As Meta Platforms attempts to defend its activities and Datatilsynet maintains its stance, the conclusion of this lawsuit will have ramifications not only for the tech behemoth but also for the larger landscape of digital privacy and behavioral advertising in Europe.
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Meta Platforms has been facing a daily fine of 1 million crowns ($94,313) since August 14th as a result of its alleged data-collecting methods and subsequent use of behavioral advertising. This advertising model, which involves targeting users based on their online behavior, is a familiar tactic among major tech firms collectively known as Big Tech.
In its defense, Meta Platforms is seeking a temporary injunction to halt the enforcement of the fine. This injunction, if granted, would remain in effect until November 3rd.
As of August 1st, the firm stated that it will seek agreement from users in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) before implementing behavioral advertising tactics. This decision was made in reaction to rising criticism and legal action about the company's data practices.
In an email to Reuters, Meta Platforms noted, "We have already announced our intention to transition to the legal basis of Consent for personalized advertising for people in the EU and EEA."
On the opposing side, the Norwegian data regulator, Datatilsynet, is steadfast in defending the imposed fine. The regulator asserts that the manner and timing in which Meta Platforms intends to obtain user consent for behavioral advertising remain unclear. During this interim period, Datatilsynet contends that users' rights are being infringed upon.
Tobias Judin, the head of Datatilsynet's foreign branch, stated that the regulator will dispute the injunction request. "Datatilsynet will argue that there is no basis for an injunction," he told Reuters in an interview.
If Datatilsynet decides to take the issue to the European Data Protection Board, the situation might worsen. If it agrees with the Norwegian regulator's judgment, this higher body has the right to make the fine permanent. If such a judgment is made, it might have far-reaching consequences throughout Europe. However, Datatilsynet has not yet taken this step.
The judicial hearings are scheduled to last two days in the Oslo district court. As Meta Platforms attempts to defend its activities and Datatilsynet maintains its stance, the conclusion of this lawsuit will have ramifications not only for the tech behemoth but also for the larger landscape of digital privacy and behavioral advertising in Europe.
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