Meta fined 887m in Italy over Android gallery photos and videos on Facebook
Why Italy imposed the fine
The Italian Data Protection Authority said Facebook’s gallery suggestion feature breached a European privacy directive adopted in Italian law. That rule treats smartphones as part of people’s private sphere and requires consent that is both freely given and informed.
The feature, named “Get suggestions from gallery when browsing Facebook,” involved photos and videos on Android devices. The authority said users were not given adequate disclosure or a specific choice before that access.
How gallery access worked
Investigators found the feature was active by default. Facebook also sought access through a single permission that covered several app functions with different purposes. Italy’s regulator ordered Meta to switch off the feature within 60 days and request separate consent before using it. The authority said the country has about 20 million Android users.
Meta challenges jurisdiction
The penalty applies to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, according to the authority’s statement. The company disputed Italy’s right to pursue the case. The regulator said Meta’s lack of cooperation during the investigation influenced the penalty. It represents about 0.47% of the group’s global turnover.
Key points
- Italy announced a €805 million ($887 million) penalty against Meta over Facebook’s use of Android gallery media.
- The privacy authority found gallery access was enabled by default and covered by a permission shared across functions.
- Meta Platforms Ireland Limited challenged Italy’s jurisdiction; the fine equals about 0.47% of group global turnover.