Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing a billion-pound class-action lawsuit in the UK over allegations of exploiting children's data on Instagram. The case, brought by competition expert Dr. Liza Lovdahl Gormsen, claims that Meta abused its market dominance to impose unfair terms on users, particularly minors.
Dr. Lovdahl Gormsen alleges that between 2015 and 2019, Meta harvested personal data from up to 44 million UK Facebook users, including children, without proper consent. This data was used to create detailed profiles of internet activity, enabling the company to generate excessive profits through targeted advertising.
The lawsuit seeks damages of up to £2.3 billion, with each affected user potentially receiving compensation. The case is being brought to the Competition Appeal Tribunal, which permits opt-out collective actions. Users who used Facebook at least once during the period are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.
A Meta representative defended the company's practices, stating that users have meaningful control over their data and that the services are provided for free. The representative added that Meta has invested in tools to allow users to manage their information.
This legal challenge adds to Meta's ongoing battles, including a recent US Federal Trade Commission case over antitrust violations. The outcome of this UK lawsuit could set a precedent for future data privacy claims.
