What's happened
Meta Platforms has been fined €251 million by Ireland's Data Protection Commission for a 2018 data breach affecting approximately 29 million users, including three million in the EU. The breach involved unauthorized access to personal data through exploited user tokens.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Rebecca Black from The Independent, the breach affected around 29 million accounts globally, with a significant number in the EU. The Irish Data Protection Commission highlighted the grave risks posed by the breach, emphasizing the need for robust data protection measures. Meanwhile, AP News reported that Meta plans to appeal the DPC's decision, indicating ongoing disputes over compliance and accountability. The South China Morning Post noted that this fine adds to Meta's growing list of penalties under EU regulations, reflecting a broader crackdown on Big Tech's data practices.
How we got here
The breach was reported by Meta in September 2018, revealing that unauthorized third parties exploited vulnerabilities in Facebook's code to access user data. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has since investigated the incident under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Common question
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What Happened in the 2018 Meta Data Breach?
In 2018, Meta Platforms faced a significant data breach that affected millions of users worldwide. This incident raised serious concerns about data security and privacy, prompting questions about its implications for users and the tech industry. Below, we explore the details of the breach, its consequences, and what users can do to protect their data.
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How Can Users Safeguard Their Personal Data Online?
In today's digital age, protecting personal data is more crucial than ever. With frequent data breaches and evolving regulations, users need to be informed about how to safeguard their information. This page explores essential strategies for data protection, recent trends in regulations, and what rights users have regarding their data.
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What Are the Key Events in Meta's Recent Legal Troubles?
Meta Platforms has faced significant legal challenges recently, culminating in a hefty fine for a data breach that occurred in 2018. This situation raises questions about the company's accountability and the implications for data protection in the tech industry. Below, we explore the timeline of events, Meta's responses, and what this means for the future.
More on these topics
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Facebook, Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his fellow roommates and students at Harvard College, who were Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Mosk
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area. It also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas.