EU watchdog criticizes Meta for requiring users to pay for data protection

The European data regulator has issued a warning to Facebook owner Meta and other online platforms, stating that they should not force users to pay for data protection rights guaranteed by EU law in exchange for ad-free subscriptions. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) chair, Anu Talus, emphasized the importance of giving users a genuine choice when it comes to data privacy.

Currently, many platforms operate on a “pay or consent” model, where users are required to either give up their data or pay a fee for ad-free services. This practice has raised concerns among privacy advocates, as users may not fully understand the implications of their choices.

Meta recently introduced a subscription model that allows users to opt out of data sharing for a monthly fee. However, this model has faced challenges from privacy and consumer advocates, leading to scrutiny from EU regulators.

The EDPB’s opinion highlighted that platforms like Meta must ensure that consent for data use is freely given, and that users should not be faced with a binary choice between data processing for advertising purposes or paying a fee. The regulator also suggested alternative options that would allow users to reject tracking for advertising without the need to pay.

Privacy defenders welcomed the EDPB’s opinion, emphasizing the importance of giving users a genuine choice in data privacy matters. However, tech lobby group CCIA expressed concerns about the potential impact on businesses, warning that forcing companies to offer services at a loss could have negative consequences.

Overall, the EDPB’s stance underscores the importance of protecting user data and ensuring that individuals have control over their privacy rights in the digital age.