Meta: Difference between revisions - Consumer_Action

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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.

After being 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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375118/oculus-facebook-account-login-data-privacy-controversy-developers-competition "Facebook is making Oculus’ worst feature unavoidable"] - theverge.com - 20 Aug 2020</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.

After being 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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375118/oculus-facebook-account-login-data-privacy-controversy-developers-competition "Facebook is making Oculus’ worst feature unavoidable"] - theverge.com - 20 Aug 2020</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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/15/21518194/oculus-quest-2-headset-facebook-account-suspension-problems "Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets"] - theverge.com - 16 Oct 2020</ref> Meta offered no options for Oculus VR users aside from ~~to go~~ through Facebook's moderation process to attempt to regain access to their accounts.

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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/15/21518194/oculus-quest-2-headset-facebook-account-suspension-problems "Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets"] - theverge.com - 16 Oct 2020</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>[https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/zr0rl8/facebook_is_purging_oculus_accounts_in_january/ "Facebook is purging Oculus accounts in January and any data you might have on it, including access to the headset"] - reddit.com/r/OculusQuest - 21 Dec 2022</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>[https://www.pcgamer.com/finally-the-quest-2-no-longer-requires-a-facebook-login/ "Finally, the Quest 2 no longer requires a Facebook login"] - pcgamer.com - 24 Aug 2022</ref> This, however, did not stop several original Oculus accounts ~~from~~ being deleted or suspended Facebook users being locked out of their headsets for two years.

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>[https://www.pcgamer.com/finally-the-quest-2-no-longer-requires-a-facebook-login/ "Finally, the Quest 2 no longer requires a Facebook login"] - pcgamer.com - 24 Aug 2022</ref> This, however, did not stop several original Oculus accounts being deleted or suspended, with Facebook users being locked out of their headsets for two years.

=== Echo VR Shutdown and Ready At Dawn ===

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=== 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 to which third-party application developers could access users' personal information."<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/facebook-agrees-pay-5-billion-and-implement-robust-new-protections-user-information "Facebook Agrees to Pay $5 Billion and Implement Robust New Protections of User Information in Settlement of Data-Privacy Claims"] - justice.gov - 24 Jul 2019</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>[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/facebook-agrees-pay-5-billion-and-implement-robust-new-protections-user-information "Facebook Agrees to Pay $5 Billion and Implement Robust New Protections of User Information in Settlement of Data-Privacy Claims"] - justice.gov - 24 Jul 2019</ref>

==== Facebook's Default Privacy Settings Controversy (2010-2018) ====

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=== 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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2023/12-billion-euro-fine-facebook-result-edpb-binding-decision_en "1.2 billion euro fine for Facebook as a result of EDPB binding decision"] - edpb.europa.eu - 22 May 2023 </ref> which failed to comply with a 2020 decision<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html "E.U. Court Strikes Down Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Pact"] - nytimes.com - 16 July 2020</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 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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2023/12-billion-euro-fine-facebook-result-edpb-binding-decision_en "1.2 billion euro fine for Facebook as a result of EDPB binding decision"] - edpb.europa.eu - 22 May 2023 </ref> which failed to comply with a 2020 decision<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html "E.U. Court Strikes Down Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Pact"] - nytimes.com - 16 July 2020</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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/binding-decision-board-art-65/binding-decision-22022-dispute-arisen_en 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] - edpb.europa.eu - 15 Sep 2022</ref> Before corrective measures were imposed upon Meta, their Instagram platform ~~publically~~ disclosed email address and phone numbers of children who used the business account feature.

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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/binding-decision-board-art-65/binding-decision-22022-dispute-arisen_en 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] - edpb.europa.eu - 15 Sep 2022</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 ===

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=== "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>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 "Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its “Pay or Consent” model for breach of the Digital Markets Act"] - ec.europa.eu - 1 Jul 2024 </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.

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>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 "Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its “Pay or Consent” model for breach of the Digital Markets Act"] - ec.europa.eu - 1 Jul 2024 </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>[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/ "Meta’s Ad-Free Subscriptions For Instagram And Facebook Break Europe’s Tech Rules—Possibly Drawing Billions In Fines, EU Says"] - forbes.com - 1 Jul 2024</ref>

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 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 being 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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375118/oculus-facebook-account-login-data-privacy-controversy-developers-competition "Facebook is making Oculus’ worst feature unavoidable"] - theverge.com - 20 Aug 2020</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.
+After being 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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/19/21375118/oculus-facebook-account-login-data-privacy-controversy-developers-competition "Facebook is making Oculus’ worst feature unavoidable"] - theverge.com - 20 Aug 2020</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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/15/21518194/oculus-quest-2-headset-facebook-account-suspension-problems "Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets"] - theverge.com - 16 Oct 2020</ref> Meta offered no options for Oculus VR users aside from to go through Facebook's moderation process to attempt to regain access to their accounts.
+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>[https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/15/21518194/oculus-quest-2-headset-facebook-account-suspension-problems "Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets"] - theverge.com - 16 Oct 2020</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>[https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/zr0rl8/facebook_is_purging_oculus_accounts_in_january/ "Facebook is purging Oculus accounts in January and any data you might have on it, including access to the headset"] - reddit.com/r/OculusQuest - 21 Dec 2022</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>[https://www.pcgamer.com/finally-the-quest-2-no-longer-requires-a-facebook-login/ "Finally, the Quest 2 no longer requires a Facebook login"] - pcgamer.com - 24 Aug 2022</ref> This, however, did not stop several original Oculus accounts from being deleted or suspended Facebook users being locked out of their headsets for two years.
+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>[https://www.pcgamer.com/finally-the-quest-2-no-longer-requires-a-facebook-login/ "Finally, the Quest 2 no longer requires a Facebook login"] - pcgamer.com - 24 Aug 2022</ref> This, however, did not stop several original Oculus accounts being deleted or suspended, with Facebook users being locked out of their headsets for two years.
 === Echo VR Shutdown and Ready At Dawn ===
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 === 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 to which third-party application developers could access users' personal information."<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/facebook-agrees-pay-5-billion-and-implement-robust-new-protections-user-information "Facebook Agrees to Pay $5 Billion and Implement Robust New Protections of User Information in Settlement of Data-Privacy Claims"] - justice.gov - 24 Jul 2019</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>[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/facebook-agrees-pay-5-billion-and-implement-robust-new-protections-user-information "Facebook Agrees to Pay $5 Billion and Implement Robust New Protections of User Information in Settlement of Data-Privacy Claims"] - justice.gov - 24 Jul 2019</ref>
 ==== Facebook's Default Privacy Settings Controversy (2010-2018) ====
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 === 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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2023/12-billion-euro-fine-facebook-result-edpb-binding-decision_en "1.2 billion euro fine for Facebook as a result of EDPB binding decision"] - edpb.europa.eu - 22 May 2023 </ref> which failed to comply with a 2020 decision<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html "E.U. Court Strikes Down Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Pact"] - nytimes.com - 16 July 2020</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 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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2023/12-billion-euro-fine-facebook-result-edpb-binding-decision_en "1.2 billion euro fine for Facebook as a result of EDPB binding decision"] - edpb.europa.eu - 22 May 2023 </ref> which failed to comply with a 2020 decision<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/business/eu-data-transfer-pact-rejected.html "E.U. Court Strikes Down Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Pact"] - nytimes.com - 16 July 2020</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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/binding-decision-board-art-65/binding-decision-22022-dispute-arisen_en 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] - edpb.europa.eu - 15 Sep 2022</ref> Before corrective measures were imposed upon Meta, their Instagram platform publically disclosed email address and phone numbers of children who used the business account feature.
+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>[https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/binding-decision-board-art-65/binding-decision-22022-dispute-arisen_en 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] - edpb.europa.eu - 15 Sep 2022</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 ===
@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 === "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>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 "Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its “Pay or Consent” model for breach of the Digital Markets Act"] - ec.europa.eu - 1 Jul 2024 </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.
+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>[https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 "Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its “Pay or Consent” model for breach of the Digital Markets Act"] - ec.europa.eu - 1 Jul 2024 </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>[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/ "Meta’s Ad-Free Subscriptions For Instagram And Facebook Break Europe’s Tech Rules—Possibly Drawing Billions In Fines, EU Says"] - forbes.com - 1 Jul 2024</ref>