Meta Fined by South Korea for Unauthorized Collection and Sharing of Sensitive User Data
South Korea Imposes $15 Million Fine on Meta for Illegal Data Collection
In a bold move to protect data privacy, South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has fined Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, 21.6 billion won (approximately $15.6 million) for unauthorized data collection. Meta allegedly gathered sensitive information from nearly one million South Korean users and shared it with advertisers without obtaining clear consent, violating the nation’s data protection laws.
The data watchdog revealed that Meta collected and analyzed information on users’ political views, religious beliefs, and personal details, including sexual orientation, through Facebook profiles. Around 4,000 advertisers reportedly gained access to this data, which was used to create highly targeted ads related to sensitive topics such as transgender issues, North Korean defectors, and other politically or socially delicate subjects.
Data Collection Practices Under Scrutiny
According to PIPC, Meta’s data collection practices violated South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act, which requires explicit user consent before gathering or sharing sensitive personal data. This recent action marks a growing trend where global tech companies like Meta are held accountable for failing to adhere to data privacy norms in foreign markets.
As part of the penalty, PIPC has demanded that Meta implement legal safeguards, improve its privacy protocols, and respond promptly to users’ requests for access to their data. The commission highlighted the decision’s significance as a message to international tech firms that they must comply with South Korea’s stringent data protection laws if they wish to operate within the country.
This decision signals the South Korean government’s commitment to protecting user privacy and sets a strong example for other nations considering similar regulatory measures against tech giants operating across borders.
