Italy fines Meta €805 million over unauthorized photo access
Italy's data protection regulator has fined Meta €805 million for accessing Android users' media files without explicit consent through a Facebook app feature.
Italy's Data Protection Authority has imposed an €805 million fine on Meta for accessing users' photos and videos without obtaining explicit consent. According to the regulator, the tech giant accessed media files and metadata from approximately 20 million Italian Android users through a Facebook app feature introduced in 2023.
The function, designed to suggest content from phone galleries while users browsed the platform, reportedly lacked specific prior permission and clear disclosures. Italian authorities have ordered Meta to disable the feature by default within 60 days and require explicit user opt-ins before accessing device media in the future.
Sources: BBC News, Le Soir, RTBF Info