ROME: Italy’s competition authority on Wednesday fined global tech giant Meta $3.8 million (€3.5 million) for a lack of transparency in its use of data and management of Instagram and Facebook accounts.
The AGCM watchdog said the fine was for “unfair commercial practices.”
“Meta failed... to immediately inform users registered to Instagram via the web of the use of their personal data for commercial purposes,” it said in a statement.
It also said Meta “did not accurately manage” the suspension of users’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.
“In particular, Meta did not indicate how it decided to suspend Facebook accounts, whether as a result of an automated or ‘human’ review,” the watchdog said.
And Meta “did not provide Facebook and Instagram users with information on the possibility of contesting the suspension,” including using an out-of-court dispute resolution body or a judge, it said.
In addition, it said, Meta set a short deadline of just 30 days for consumers to challenge the suspension.
The Italian watchdog said that since it had started investigating, Meta had changed its practices.
In a statement, Meta said it disagreed with the decision and “are assessing our options.”
“Since August 2023, we have implemented several changes for Italian users that address the (authority’s) concerns,” it said.
This includes “increased transparency on how we use data to show advertising on Instagram and provided enhanced information and options on how users can appeal account suspensions,” it said.
“We welcome the (authority’s) acknowledgement of the effectiveness of our tools to help users regain access to their accounts.”
Italy fines Meta $3.8 million over data use, account transparency
https://arab.news/2dwqz
Italy fines Meta $3.8 million over data use, account transparency
- Italy’s competition authority said the fine was for ‘unfair commercial practices’
List Magazine launches The List Awards
RIYADH: Luxury travel and lifestyle magazine List has announced the launch of The List Awards, in association with Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille.
The List Awards are a first-of-its-kind recognition celebrating excellence across travel, wellness, culture, and fine dining in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Winners will be officially announced in the Winter 2026 edition of the magazine and across its social and digital platforms.
The awards aim to define what world-class excellence looks and feels like in a new era of Saudi hospitality, creativity, and experience-driven living by recognizing establishments and cultural experiences shaping modern luxury in the region.
The selection process is not based on submissions, paid placements or public voting. Instead, List’s editorial team and a panel of independent judges personally experience each venue, brand or experience.
Each entry is then explored, debated, and verified against key criteria: originality, precision, consistency, and relevance to the modern Saudi traveller.
Nóirín Hegarty, List’s editor-in-chief, said: “Saudi Arabia is in the midst of an extraordinary cultural and creative transformation. The List Awards were born from a desire to recognise that energy and define what excellence truly looks like today.
“These awards are not about prestige for its own sake — they are about experience, authenticity, and intent. Every name on the list earned its place because it represents the best of the best and the future of luxury in the region and beyond.”
