Facebook and Google Are In Hot Water

Facebook and Google might be in for some tough times…

Europe’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws came into effect on May 25. Websites, digital media outlets and other e-businesses had a deadline of last Friday to comply with the new laws, before risking legal consequences.

While many scrambled to ensure their data collection policies were compliant with the new European regulations digital rights groups were waiting on the side-lines, ready to call out any companies that breached the new regulations. 

One watchdog has blown the whistle on two of the biggest data-collecting tech giants in the game. 

According to Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems Facebook and Google haven’t been following the new GDPR laws.

Schrem’s activist group noyb (None of Your Business) is suing Facebook and Google for “coercing” users into agreeing with their data collection policy.

According to ITP. net “. . . the companies force users to accept advertising to use their services, which is prohibited under the new General Data Protection Regulations.”

Schrems is seeking to fine the tech giants 3.9 billion (Facebook) and 3.7 billion euros (Google) – a collective amount of approximately 32.5 million dirhams. Both companies are disputing the charges, claiming they are complying with the new regulations.

“We build privacy and security into our products from the very earliest stages,” Google said in a statement, “and are committed to complying with the EU GDPR.” Facebook has also said that it has “. . . prepared for the past 18 months to ensure we meet the requirements of the GDPR.”

Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Check back for more updates soon.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.