Madrid Commercial Court Orders Meta to Pay 479 Million to Spanish Digital Media Outlets
Spanish justice has made a strong statement by ordering the multinational technology company Meta, owner of the popular social networks Facebook and Instagram, to pay a historic fine of 479 million euros. The ruling benefits 87 digital media outlets grouped in the Association of Media Information for the illicit use of users' personal information 🇪🇸
Legal Basis for the Multimillion-Euro Ruling
Commercial Court number 15 of Madrid based its decision on Article 15.1 of the Unfair Competition Law, determining that the company exploited protected personal data without users' proper consent for over five years. This period spanned from May 2018 to August 2023, during which Meta optimized its targeted advertising system, gaining an illegitimate competitive advantage 📊
Key Elements of the Ruling:- Massive use of personal information without explicit authorization
- Refinement of the advertising targeting system using protected data
- Generation of significant profits in Spanish territory through questionable practices
The ruling establishes that Meta gained a position of advantage in the digital advertising market through the improper exploitation of user data
Financial Compensation and European Repercussions
In addition to the main fine, the judicial ruling includes specific compensation for particular media outlets: 2.5 million for Grupo Europa Press and 13,563 euros for Radio Blanca. Although the resolution can be appealed and is not yet final, this case could set a crucial precedent in the European sphere, especially considering that Facebook and Instagram operate under the same business model throughout the European Union 🌍
Immediate and Future Repercussions:- Establishment of jurisprudence for similar pending cases in other countries
- Possible modification of data collection and usage practices by big tech companies
- Strengthening of personal data protection in the digital environment
A Strong Message to Big Tech
This historic ruling sends a clear message to tech giants: the irresponsible handling of personal data carries significant legal and economic consequences. Although 479 million may seem like a smaller amount for a company the size of Meta, the reputational impact and the deterrent effect for future similar practices are incalculable ⚖️