Meta Caught with GDPR Allegations, While Arctic Wolf Labs Exposes Sham Security Researchers

In a recent development, Meta found itself in a complaint filed with the Austrian data protection authority. 

The crux revolves around alleged violations of the European Union’s privacy laws, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

A User’s Right to Opt-Out

The complaint contends that Meta is revoking EU privacy laws by making it difficult for users to withdraw consent to being tracked on its platforms. 

According to NOYB, EU users are constrained to navigate a process involving a transition to a paid subscription to opt out from being tracked on Facebook and Instagram. 

One Click to Consent, But a Maze to Withdraw

NOYB highlights the paradox wherein granting consent to be tracked for personalized advertising on Facebook and Instagram requires just one click. 

However, revoking this consent becomes complex, searching multiple pages and incurring a “privacy fee” for an ad-free service. 

This fee, set at €9.99 ($11) per month for web users and €12.99 ($14) per month for iOS and Android users, has drawn criticism for its perceived infringement on users’ rights.

Meta’s Attempt of Ad-Free Subscriptions and Regulatory Alignment

In response to these allegations, Meta introduced ad-free subscription plans for Facebook and Instagram users in the EU starting in November. 

BREAKING NEWS: Mark Zuckerberg and META Fined A RECORD $1.3 Billion by the EU for Violating Privacy Laws. ELON MUSK WILL PUT FACEBOOK OUT OF BUSINESS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) May 22, 2023

The company positioned this move to align its operations with GDPR legislation, emphasizing the necessity for users to have a choice regarding collecting and utilizing their data for targeted ads. 

The subscription fees range from €9.99 ($11) to €12.99 ($14) per month, aiming to provide an alternative to ad-supported usage.

What Does Meta Believe?

NOYB still needs to be convinced, asserting that the offered ad-free subscription model fails to comply with the GDPR. 

In response to the allegations, Meta referred to a prior blog post, defending ad-free subscriptions as a well-established and economically viable business model across various industries. 

The company positioned the ad-free service as the “best compliance solution,” aligning with the latest regulatory developments, guidance, and judgments from European regulators and courts.

Will Meta’s ad-free subscription be a genuine alternative or a regulatory workaround? What do you think?