Social media giant Facebook could face potential litigation from European consumer groups stemming from its collection of personal information related to games available on the app in 2012, according to a Thursday (Dec. 2) report from Reuters.
The lawsuits — should they be filed — would be related to privacy violations under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While Facebook has since modified its privacy settings, at the time, users who played games automatically agreed to share personal information, including email addresses. When the game concluded, users would receive a notification that the app could share their status, photos and other details.
Since it came into effect in 2018, the GDPR sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal data from residents of the EU and stipulates that those living in the EU receive data disclosures.
The GDPR allows data protection agencies in Europe to fine companies up to 4% of their annual global sales, according to PYMNTS.
In July, the Luxembourg National Commission for Data fined Amazon $887 million for allegedly violating data protection laws related to its advertising and ordered the eCommerce giant to modify some of its business practices, PYMNTS reported.
Read more: EU Privacy Regulator Fines Amazon $887M
This is not the first time that Facebook has come under fire in the EU. In September, its instant messaging platform WhatsApp was fined $266 million for failing to inform users how it shared data with Facebook, according to PYMNTS.
See also: Big Tech Firms Face Tough Week Following EU Clamp-Down
Last month, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen urged EU lawmakers to strengthen regulations for combating illegal online content, according to PYMNTS.
Haugen accused her former employer of putting company profits ahead of removing hate speech and misinformation campaigns.
Her input came as EU lawmakers are considering improvements to the Digital Services Act (DSA).
More information: Facebook Whistleblower to EU Lawmakers: Beef up Tech Rules
The DSA is aimed at better protecting consumers and their rights online and establishing transparency and accountability for online platforms, according to the EU.
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