Meta faces Spanish investigations over alleged Android data breaches

The Spanish government has officially announced an investigation into Meta for the possible privacy violations of its Facebook and Instagram users through a hidden tracking mechanism on Android devices.

The investigation derives from international research that found Meta has used a mechanism to track the web activity of Android device users.

Sanchez said in a statement, “In Spain law is above any algorithm or any large technology platforms and violating our rights will pay the consequences.”

Meanwhile, Meta has violated several European Union laws on security and privacy including the General Data Protection Regulation.

Previously Meta has faced a 798 million euros in 2024 for anti-competitive practices related to Facebook Marketplace.

The company has faced charges for not complying with the DMA in its consent advertising tool.

The recent announcement of a further investigation into Meta represents a significant escalation of the ongoing problems with big tech, and governmental action has been taken based on the specific technical advice.

Nonetheless, it presents a crucial move to execute a decision practically rather than solely relying on statements from legal departments.