Design Highlights
- Meta was fined 479 million euros for breaching EU data protection laws and engaging in unfair competition practices in Spain.
- The court criticized Meta’s use of personal data for behavioral advertising without proper consent from users.
- The ruling covers violations that occurred from May 2018 to July 2023, during which Meta earned an estimated 5.3 billion euros in advertising profits.
- A lawsuit filed by 87 digital publishers, including El Economista, highlights the financial relief expected from the court’s ruling.
- This case signifies a growing demand for accountability among tech giants in Europe regarding data practices and competition.
In a ruling that could make even the most seasoned corporate lawyers raise an eyebrow, a Madrid court has slapped Meta with a hefty fine of 479 million euros—roughly $552 million—for playing fast and loose with data protection regulations. Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It’s a massive, eye-watering fine for the tech giant that many love to hate.
On November 20, 2025, the Madrid Commercial Court decided enough was enough. Meta was found guilty of unfair competition and violating EU data protection laws. It turns out, the court was not impressed with how Meta gained a competitive edge in Spain’s online advertising market. Apparently, using personal data for behavioral advertising without proper consent didn’t sit well with the judges. Who knew?
The ruling is a big win for 87 digital press publishers and news agencies, including notable names like El Economista and EFE news agency. They were the ones who filed the lawsuit, backed by the Information Media Association (AMI). They’re about to see some financial relief, thanks to Meta’s questionable practices. It’s like winning the lottery, but in a courtroom.
The legal basis for this fine? The court cited violations of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Meta’s excuse for processing personal data? Let’s just say it didn’t hold water. The violations spanned from May 2018 to July 2023, a period that saw Meta breaching not just GDPR but also Spanish antitrust laws. That’s a double whammy right there. Meta’s actions negatively impacted online advertising revenues for Spanish media. In fact, the judge estimated that Meta earned at least 5.3 billion euros in advertising profits during the violation period.
But hold up. Meta isn’t taking this lying down. They plan to appeal, claiming the lawsuit lacks evidence of harm. They insist they’re in compliance with the law and even provide users with tools to control their experience. It’s hard to tell if they’re genuinely concerned or just trying to save face.
This fine is one of the largest ever imposed on Meta in Europe, and it’s making waves. It could set a precedent for similar cases across the EU. Other tech companies might want to take a long, hard look at their data practices. The ruling highlights a growing sentiment in Europe: tech giants, you need to play by the rules. Or else.
