Anna Hartz
In recent years, tech companies have faced increasing pressure in Europe over how they handle user data.
Regulators are cracking down on practices that may limit people’s control over their personal information. Now, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is trying to make changes to avoid a large fine.
Personalized Ads
Meta has offered the European Commission a plan to give users more choice over the ads they see, reports El Economista. The company suggests letting people pick whether they want highly personalized ads or less targeted advertising.
Users who opt for fewer personalized ads would share less of their personal data, but their ad experience would be less tailored.
This proposal comes after the European Commission imposed a €200 million fine on Meta in April. The penalty was related to how the company required users to either consent to data collection or pay a subscription fee to avoid ads on Facebook and Instagram. Brussels argued that this approach violated users’ rights under EU law.
Avoiding Efforts
Meta hopes that offering this choice will allow it to comply with EU rules and prevent further penalties. The plan is expected to take effect in January 2026. At that point, both Facebook and Instagram will be required to present users with the new options. The European Commission will monitor how the system works to make sure it gives people genuine freedom to decide.
The company’s approach is part of a broader effort to avoid sanctions from European regulators. Meta has already appealed the fine at the General Court of the European Union. By introducing a model that balances user choice and data collection, Meta aims to satisfy EU demands while maintaining its advertising business.
The proposal could mark a shift in how social media platforms interact with regulators. If it succeeds, users will have more control over their data and the type of ads they see. Critics, however, will be watching closely to see if the system is clear and effective.
For now, Meta is trying to show that it can meet EU expectations without major disruption to its platforms. The European Commission’s review will decide whether the new plan is enough to avoid further fines and legal action.
Sources: El Economista
