Meta: Difference between revisions
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===Facebook<!-- Wow, we got a lot to list here... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook#Criticisms_and_controversies -->=== | ===Facebook<!-- Wow, we got a lot to list here... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook#Criticisms_and_controversies -->=== | ||
==== Local Mess (June 2025) ==== | |||
A study by Dutch researchers revealed that Meta used a local connection from the user's browser to their apps using WebRTC to communicate from the Facebook tracking pixel (a script website providers integrate into their websites) with Meta apps installed on the device to track the user and circumvent measures to prevent the user's data from leaking. This even works when the user is using the browser's incognito mode. Meta used this technique since at least 2024, Yandex used it as far back as 2017. The day the study was published, the corresponding code disappeared from the Facebook tracking pixel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Girish |first=Aniketh |date=2025-06-03 |title=Disclosure: Covert Web-to-App Tracking via Localhost on Android |url=https://localmess.github.io/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=Local Mess (Github)}}</ref><!-- FIXME: The study has more than one author, not sure how to add more than one using the form provided by the Wiki --> | |||
====The Linux Ban==== | ====The Linux Ban==== | ||
On January 19th 2025, Meta updated their internal policies to recognize the [[free and open source software]] and operating system Linux as a "cybersecurity threat".<ref name=":1">https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20250127#sitenews</ref><ref>https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/facebook-flags-linux-topics-as-cybersecurity-threats-posts-and-users-being-blocked</ref> As part of this, many Facebook users had their accounts either locked or muted for merely mentioning Linux, most notably the Linux distribution tracking site, DistroWatch. DistroWatch claims they appealed the decision the next day and had it affirmed to them that "Linux-related material is staying on the cybersecurity filter" alongside the personal account the appeal was sent from being locked. <ref name=":1" /> This quickly gained media attention with many calling this out as irony given Meta's infrastructure mostly runs on Linux.<ref>https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/28/facebook_blocks_distrowatch/</ref> | On January 19th 2025, Meta updated their internal policies to recognize the [[free and open source software]] and operating system Linux as a "cybersecurity threat".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=19 Jan 2025 |title=Facebook ban |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20250127#sitenews |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=distrowatch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyson |first=Mark |date=17 Jan 2025 |title=Facebook flags Linux topics as 'cybersecurity threats' — posts and users being blocked |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/facebook-flags-linux-topics-as-cybersecurity-threats-posts-and-users-being-blocked |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> As part of this, many Facebook users had their accounts either locked or muted for merely mentioning Linux, most notably the Linux distribution tracking site, DistroWatch. DistroWatch claims they appealed the decision the next day and had it affirmed to them that "Linux-related material is staying on the cybersecurity filter" alongside the personal account the appeal was sent from being locked.<ref name=":1" /> This quickly gained media attention with many calling this out as irony given Meta's infrastructure mostly runs on Linux.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Proven |first=Liam |date=28 Jan 2025 |title=Meta blocked Distrowatch links on Facebook while running Linux servers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/28/facebook_blocks_distrowatch/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref> | ||
9 days later on January 28th, PCMAG posted A comment to them by Meta directly confirming this was an error following Distrowatch's account being reinstated and the blocking of any Linux related content being lifted.<ref>https://www.pcmag.com/news/facebook-accidentally-blocks-users-from-posting-about-linux</ref> | 9 days later on January 28th, PCMAG posted A comment to them by Meta directly confirming this was an error following Distrowatch's account being reinstated and the blocking of any Linux related content being lifted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Michael |date=28 Jan 2025 |title=Facebook Accidentally Blocks Users From Posting About Linux |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/facebook-accidentally-blocks-users-from-posting-about-linux |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> | ||
====Tracking pixel==== | ====Tracking pixel==== | ||
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As a crude workaround, one can take screenshots of images in the app instead of using its sharing functionality. Since that yields images in screen resolution, this workaround may not be suitable in all cases. | As a crude workaround, one can take screenshots of images in the app instead of using its sharing functionality. Since that yields images in screen resolution, this workaround may not be suitable in all cases. | ||
'' | '''Useless notifications to boost engagement and facilitate tracking'''<!-- Maybe this warrants its own explanation, seeing that it has since become a commonly used dark pattern --> | ||
Initially, notifications on the site were used to inform the user of events that warranted their attention, such as a new post to their wall, a direct message or interactions with their posts. Clicking the notification icon would clear its state. However, at some point Facebook started to trigger notifications when the user was inactive for too long in order to get them to engage with the platform more, which would then in turn indirectly increase their ad exposure. It was also no longer possible to fully clear the notifications because new ones would appear instantly. E-Mail notifications with the clear intent of getting the user to go to the platform rather than informing the user of something relevant are also sent on a regular basis. | |||
This creates a constant sense of the user having unfinished business and missing out on something potentially important on the platform even though this is clearly not the case. | |||
This was exacerbated when mobile platforms became more relevant because they allow app vendors to display notifications on the home screen of the device as well as red badges with notification counts or exclamation marks overlaid over the app icon. Incoming notifications also allow mobile apps to be woken from suspended energy saving state and do active processing in the foreground, which makes it easier for Facebook to do background tracking and transmit information back more often. This practice was also adopted by Instagram when Meta (then called Facebook) took over the platform. | |||
===Meta Oculus VR=== | ===Meta Oculus VR=== | ||
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In 2014, Meta acquired Oculus VR for approximately $2 billion, which was known for developing the Oculus Rift and other virtual-reality (VR) products. Before the acquisition, users could create and use Oculus accounts to access their VR content. This allowed users more control over their privacy and data, without needing to use Facebook. | In 2014, Meta acquired Oculus VR for approximately $2 billion, which was known for developing the Oculus Rift and other virtual-reality (VR) products. Before the acquisition, users could create and use Oculus accounts to access their VR content. This allowed users more control over their privacy and data, without needing to use Facebook. | ||
After Oculus VR was purchased by Meta in October 2020, Oculus Quest and Rift S users were required to sign in with a Facebook account in order to continue to use their purchased VR headsets.<ref> | After Oculus VR was purchased by Meta in October 2020, Oculus Quest and Rift S users were required to sign in with a Facebook account in order to continue to use their purchased VR headsets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=20 Aug 2020 |title=Facebook is making Oculus’ worst feature unavoidable |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375118/oculus-facebook-account-login-data-privacy-controversy-developers-competition |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> This forced integration of Facebook accounts with Oculus devices created several issues for users, particularly those who preferred to keep their VR experience separate from social media. | ||
Because Oculus headsets were now tied to Facebook accounts, users who had their Facebook profiles suspended for any reason found themselves unable to access their purchased content, including games and apps, and unable to use their devices.<ref> | Because Oculus headsets were now tied to Facebook accounts, users who had their Facebook profiles suspended for any reason found themselves unable to access their purchased content, including games and apps, and unable to use their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=15 Oct 2020 |title=Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/15/21518194/oculus-quest-2-headset-facebook-account-suspension-problems |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Meta offered no options for Oculus VR users aside from going through Facebook's moderation process to attempt to regain access to their accounts. | ||
Additionally, Oculus account holders who did not want to link to Facebook risked losing access to their purchases entirely.<ref> | Additionally, Oculus account holders who did not want to link to Facebook risked losing access to their purchases entirely.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Dec 2022 |title=Facebook is purging Oculus accounts in January and any data you might have on it, including access to the headset |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/zr0rl8/facebook_is_purging_oculus_accounts_in_january/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> If they did not migrate to a Facebook account, they would no longer be able to use their Oculus headsets or access any content they had purchased from the Oculus Store. | ||
In August 2022, following public backlash, Meta reversed the policy, allowing users to sign in with a new "Meta account" instead of a Facebook account.<ref> | In August 2022, following public backlash, Meta reversed the policy, allowing users to sign in with a new "Meta account" instead of a Facebook account.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ridley |first=Jacob |date=24 Aug 2022 |title=Finally, the Quest 2 no longer requires a Facebook login |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/finally-the-quest-2-no-longer-requires-a-facebook-login/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=PCGamer}}</ref> This, however, did not prevent several original Oculus accounts from being deleted or suspended, with Facebook users being locked out of their headsets for two years. | ||
Additionally to all of this the headsets are not usable at all without connecting them to the Internet and logging them into a Meta/Facebook account when the owner wants to use it for the first time after purchase. This creates the risk that the headsets will be indefinitely unusable, or at least not to be able to be set up after a reset of the software, if Meta theoretically decides to shutdown the authentication or login servers. | Additionally to all of this the headsets are not usable at all without connecting them to the Internet and logging them into a Meta/Facebook account when the owner wants to use it for the first time after purchase. This creates the risk that the headsets will be indefinitely unusable, or at least not to be able to be set up after a reset of the software, if Meta theoretically decides to shutdown the authentication or login servers. | ||
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''Echo VR'' was a VR e-sports title centered around zero-gravity physics, developed by Ready At Dawn Studios.<ref>[https://www.meta.com/experiences/echo-vr/2215004568539258/ "Echo VR - About Page"] - meta.com</ref> The game released on July 20, 2017, on the Oculus Rift store, before being ported over to the Meta Quest platform (formerly the Oculus Quest platform) on May 5, 2020. | ''Echo VR'' was a VR e-sports title centered around zero-gravity physics, developed by Ready At Dawn Studios.<ref>[https://www.meta.com/experiences/echo-vr/2215004568539258/ "Echo VR - About Page"] - meta.com</ref> The game released on July 20, 2017, on the Oculus Rift store, before being ported over to the Meta Quest platform (formerly the Oculus Quest platform) on May 5, 2020. | ||
Ready At Dawn Studios was a game developer most notably known for creating the original ''God of War'' series and ''Daxter''. They were acquired by Oculus Studios, an umbrella organization of Meta, in June 2020.<ref> | Ready At Dawn Studios was a game developer most notably known for creating the original ''God of War'' series and ''Daxter''. They were acquired by Oculus Studios, an umbrella organization of Meta, in June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Verdu |first=Mike |date=22 Jun 2020 |title=Welcoming Ready At Dawn to Facebook |url=https://www.meta.com/en-gb/blog/welcoming-ready-at-dawn-to-facebook/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=[[Meta]]}}</ref> | ||
On January 31, 2023, Ready At Dawn announced that ''Echo VR'' would be shut down on August 1 of that year. They claimed in a blog post that the reason was them "consolidating studio support" to work on their next project, as well as confirming that players who had spent money on in-game currency would not be able to receive a refund.<ref> | On January 31, 2023, Ready At Dawn announced that ''Echo VR'' would be shut down on August 1 of that year. They claimed in a blog post that the reason was them "consolidating studio support" to work on their next project, as well as confirming that players who had spent money on in-game currency would not be able to receive a refund.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@EchoGames |date=31 Jan 2023 |title=An Update on the Future of Echo VR |url=https://medium.com/@EchoGames/an-update-on-the-future-of-echo-vr-7f074dca1ed1 |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=Medium}}</ref> Meta's CTO, Andrew Bosworth, answered questions regarding the shutdown in an Instagram AMA, explaining that it would be "even less cost effective" to open-source or sell the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Harry |date=2 Feb 2023 |title=Meta CTO: John Carmack Would Not Have Shut Down Echo VR |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-cto-john-carmack-echo-vr/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=www.uploadvr.com}}</ref> | ||
Fans of ''Echo VR'' protested against the game's shutdown, going so far as to fly a banner over Meta's headquarters asking to reverse the decision.<ref>[https://vrscout.com/news/the-vr-esports-community-rallies-to-save-echo-vr/ "The VR Esports Community Rallies To Save Echo VR"] - vrscout.com - 2 Mar 2023</ref> Despite this, the game's servers did shut down on the given date. ''Echo VR'' itself was still able to be downloaded and opened, meaning the contents of the game were still available, but a player would not be able to progress after a shutdown notice pop-up.<ref> | Fans of ''Echo VR'' protested against the game's shutdown, going so far as to fly a banner over Meta's headquarters asking to reverse the decision.<ref>[https://vrscout.com/news/the-vr-esports-community-rallies-to-save-echo-vr/ "The VR Esports Community Rallies To Save Echo VR"] - vrscout.com - 2 Mar 2023</ref> Despite this, the game's servers did shut down on the given date. ''Echo VR'' itself was still able to be downloaded and opened, meaning the contents of the game were still available, but a player would not be able to progress after a shutdown notice pop-up.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Aug 2023 |title=Echo VR Has Shut Down |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/15fisnk/echo_vr_has_shut_down/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> | ||
Despite Ready At Dawn's claims, there have been no other project released following the shutdown. The studio proceeded to suffer major layoffs and, in August 2024, Meta shut down Ready At Dawn Studios itself, blaming Oculus Studios' budgetary constraints.<ref> | Despite Ready At Dawn's claims, there have been no other project released following the shutdown. The studio proceeded to suffer major layoffs and, in August 2024, Meta shut down Ready At Dawn Studios itself, blaming Oculus Studios' budgetary constraints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutrich |first=Nicholas |date=7 Aug 2024 |title=Exclusive: Meta is closing a beloved first-party Quest studio |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/gaming/virtual-reality/ready-at-dawn-studios-closing |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=www.androidcentral.com}} </ref> | ||
====='''Attempts to block other OpenXR runtimes (third party or other brands) from working with games'''<ref name=":2">"[https://mbucchia.github.io/OpenXR-Toolkit/ovrplugin.html Meta’s OVRPlugin]" - mbucchia.github.io</ref>===== | ====='''Attempts to block other OpenXR runtimes (third party or other brands) from working with games'''<ref name=":2">"[https://mbucchia.github.io/OpenXR-Toolkit/ovrplugin.html Meta’s OVRPlugin]" - mbucchia.github.io</ref>===== | ||
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Game developers are advised to avoid the OVRPlugin where possible and rely on generic OpenXR implementations that support the standard correctly. Affected users can try the Meta Plugin Compatibility option in their SteamVR settings. The latest version of Virtual Desktop should also have the workarounds implemented. Players of Unreal Engine games report that launching the game with -hmd=openxr can bypass the plugin. | Game developers are advised to avoid the OVRPlugin where possible and rely on generic OpenXR implementations that support the standard correctly. Affected users can try the Meta Plugin Compatibility option in their SteamVR settings. The latest version of Virtual Desktop should also have the workarounds implemented. Players of Unreal Engine games report that launching the game with -hmd=openxr can bypass the plugin. | ||
'''Update on the Occulus Quest 2 /Pro removed a key feature on keyboard tracking[https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Talk-VR/Removing-Keyboard-Tracking-on-Quest-2-Pro-What-s-next-on-the/td-p/1284678]''' | |||
Meta’s recent decision to discontinue support for physical keyboard tracking on the Quest 2 and Pro, as stated in the V72 release notes, in just two years of lifecycle this showcase an enshittification on their products. Early adopters beware. | |||
==Lawsuits<!-- I feel like this should follow the table format that I established with the Valve page -->== | ==Lawsuits<!-- I feel like this should follow the table format that I established with the Valve page -->== | ||
===''United States of America v. Facebook''=== | ===''United States of America v. Facebook''=== | ||
In July 2019, Facebook agreed to pay $5 billion USD and implement corrective measures after it was sued by the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for "misleading users about the extent to which third-party application developers could access users' personal information."<ref> | In July 2019, Facebook agreed to pay $5 billion USD and implement corrective measures after it was sued by the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for "misleading users about the extent to which third-party application developers could access users' personal information."<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Jul 2019 |title=Facebook Agrees to Pay $5 Billion and Implement Robust New Protections of User Information in Settlement of Data-Privacy Claims |url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/facebook-agrees-pay-5-billion-and-implement-robust-new-protections-user-information |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=www.justice.gov}}</ref> | ||
====Controversy over default privacy settings (2010–2018)==== | ====Controversy over default privacy settings (2010–2018)==== | ||
Facebook's default settings allowed third-party app developers to access not only the data of users who installed their apps, but also the data of those users' friends. While users could opt out of this data sharing, the setting was located separately from the main privacy settings page, making it difficult to find and adjust.<ref name=":0"> | Facebook's default settings allowed third-party app developers to access not only the data of users who installed their apps, but also the data of those users' friends. While users could opt out of this data sharing, the setting was located separately from the main privacy settings page, making it difficult to find and adjust.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=24 Jul 2019 |title=United States of America v. Facebook, Inc., Case No. 19-cv-2184, Complaint for civil penalities, injunction, and other relief |url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/press-release/file/1186506/dl |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=www.justice.gov}}</ref> | ||
After settling with the FTC in 2012 over deceptive privacy practices, Facebook initially added a privacy disclaimer about friend data sharing but removed it four months later. This occurred while continuing the same data-sharing practices that prompted the original FTC investigation, violating the order's prohibition against misrepresenting users' privacy control.<ref name=":0" /> | After settling with the FTC in 2012 over deceptive privacy practices, Facebook initially added a privacy disclaimer about friend data sharing but removed it four months later. This occurred while continuing the same data-sharing practices that prompted the original FTC investigation, violating the order's prohibition against misrepresenting users' privacy control.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
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===GDPR violations=== | ===GDPR violations=== | ||
In July 2020, the Irish Data Protection Authority submitted an inquiry into Meta's Facebook service for transferring its users' personal data to the U.S.<ref> | In July 2020, the Irish Data Protection Authority submitted an inquiry into Meta's Facebook service for transferring its users' personal data to the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2023 |title=1.2 billion euro fine for Facebook as a result of EDPB binding decision |url=https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2023/12-billion-euro-fine-facebook-result-edpb-binding-decision_en |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=European Data Protection Board}} </ref> which failed to comply with a 2020 decision<ref>{{Cite web |last=Satariano |first=Adam |date=16 Jul 2020 |title=E.U. Court Strikes Down Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Pact |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405092125/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html |archive-date=5 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> that the company's data was not secure enough. In May 2023, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) enforced the $1.2 billion euro fine on Meta and an order to cease the "unlawful processing, including storage, in the U.S. of personal data of European users transferred in violation of the GDPR." | ||
In September 2022, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Meta 405 million euros and imposed several "corrective measures" on Meta for its illegal handling of children's Instagram profile data.<ref> | In September 2022, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Meta 405 million euros and imposed several "corrective measures" on Meta for its illegal handling of children's Instagram profile data.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Sep 2022 |title=Binding Decision 2/2022 on the dispute arisen on the draft decision of the Irish Supervisory Authority regarding Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Instagram) under Article 65(1)(a) GDPR |url=https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/binding-decision-board-art-65/binding-decision-22022-dispute-arisen_en |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=European Data Protection Board}}</ref> Before corrective measures were imposed upon Meta, their Instagram platform publicly disclosed email address and phone numbers of children who used the business account feature. | ||
===''The State of Texas Court v. Meta Platforms''=== | ===''The State of Texas Court v. Meta Platforms''=== | ||
In February 2022, Attorney General Paxton sued Meta for the illegal collection of Texas citizens' biometric data, such as retina scans, fingerprints, voiceprints, and face geometry, without their informed consent from 2010 to 2021.<ref> | In February 2022, Attorney General Paxton sued Meta for the illegal collection of Texas citizens' biometric data, such as retina scans, fingerprints, voiceprints, and face geometry, without their informed consent from 2010 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paxton |first=Ken |date=14 Feb 2022 |title=Paxton Sues Facebook for Using Unauthorized Biometric Data |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/paxton-sues-facebook-using-unauthorized-biometric-data |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=texasattorneygeneral.gov}} </ref> Meta would share it with third parties and would not delete this data despite promising to do so, which violated Texas' Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier (CUBI) Act and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). | ||
In July 2024, Meta agreed to pay Texas $1.4 Billion in a settlement with the attorney general<ref> | In July 2024, Meta agreed to pay Texas $1.4 Billion in a settlement with the attorney general<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Jul 2024 |title=The State of Texas v Meta Order 2020 |url=https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Final%20State%20of%20Texas%20v%20Meta%20Order%202024.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=www.texasattorneygeneral.gov}} </ref> which consisted of a $25,000 USD fine for each CUBI violation and $10,000 USD for each DTPA violation. | ||
==="Pay or consent" model=== | ==="Pay or consent" model=== | ||
As of early 2024, Meta is being investigated for violating the EU's [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA) by using a "pay or consent" model to its Facebook and Instagram platforms, forcing users to pay a monthly subscription for an ad-free version or to accept versions with personalized advertisements.<ref> | As of early 2024, Meta is being investigated for violating the EU's [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA) by using a "pay or consent" model to its Facebook and Instagram platforms, forcing users to pay a monthly subscription for an ad-free version or to accept versions with personalized advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Jul 2024 |title=Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its “Pay or Consent” model for breach of the Digital Markets Act |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=European Commission}} </ref> Launched in late 2023, Meta's model offered European users two options: pay approximately €13 monthly for ad-free access to Facebook and Instagram, or continue using free accounts with personalized advertising. | ||
The Commission determined that this binary choice violates DMA regulations, which require "gatekeeper" platforms to offer equivalent alternatives for users who decline personal data collection. The DMA mandates that large tech companies must obtain explicit consent before combining users' personal data across services, and cannot make service access conditional upon such consent.<ref> | The Commission determined that this binary choice violates DMA regulations, which require "gatekeeper" platforms to offer equivalent alternatives for users who decline personal data collection. The DMA mandates that large tech companies must obtain explicit consent before combining users' personal data across services, and cannot make service access conditional upon such consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hart |first=Robert |date=1 Jul 2024 |title=Meta’s Ad-Free Subscriptions For Instagram And Facebook Break Europe’s Tech Rules—Possibly Drawing Billions In Fines, EU Says |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/07/01/metas-ad-free-subscriptions-for-instagram-and-facebook-break-europes-tech-rules-possibly-drawing-billions-in-fines-eu-says/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Meta]] | [[Category:Meta]] | ||