The use of users data for targeted advertising will be prohibited, according to Norway’s data protection agency, and also threatened Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, with a $100,000 daily fine if it persists.
Due to privacy concerns, prominent US tech companies are under close review across Europe, and in recent years, significant fines have been imposed.
The Norwegian watchdog, Datatilsynet, said Mark Zuckerberg uses information such as the location of users, the content they like and their posts for marketing purposes.
“The Norwegian Data Protection Authority considers that the practice of Meta is illegal and is therefore imposing a temporary ban of behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.”
The ban will begin on August 4 and last three months to give Meta time to take corrective measures. The company will be fined one million kroner ($100,000) per day if it fails to comply.
Meta spokesman Matthew Pollard was quoted as saying by Norwegian public radio channel NRK that the company will review the demands and that the announcement will not have an immediate effect on its activities.
