Italy's data protection authority has fined Meta Platforms 805 million euros after finding the company accessed Android users' photographs and videos without consent or adequate disclosure. The order also gives Meta 60 days to switch off the feature by default and obtain separate user permission, widening regulatory pressure on how large platforms handle personal content.
Highlights
- Italy's data protection agency fined Meta approximately 0.47% of its global revenue for accessing Android users' galleries via a Facebook app feature without proper consent.
- Meta has 60 days to disable the feature by default and must separately obtain explicit user consent for accessing personal photos and videos.
- The probe, launched in 2025, excluded AI training concerns but the regulator will review a 2026 cloud processing feature separately, intensifying scrutiny on tech firms' mobile data practices.
Regulatory findings and compliance deadline
As reported by Reuters, citing Italy's data protection agency, Meta accessed Android users' photos and videos through a Facebook app feature that suggested content from personal galleries for users to post. The authority said the company did so without obtaining consent or informing users properly.The regulator said Meta now has 60 days to disable the feature by default and seek users' consent separately. Meta was not immediately available for comment.
Scope of probe and wider implications
The investigation began in 2025 and did not cover any possible use of the content to train artificial intelligence models, a practice the authority said Meta denied. The watchdog added that it reserves the right to assess separately a new feature launched in 2026 that allows content from users' galleries to be processed in the cloud.The fine amounts to about 0.47% of Meta's global revenue, according to the authority. The decision adds to scrutiny of how major technology groups collect and process personal data through mobile app features, particularly where default settings and user consent are under review.
Previously, we examined the Ofcom WhatsApp Business fine over repeated inaccuracies in market-review information Meta submitted.
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