Meta has been hit with a €390 million fine by regulators after forcing users to accept personalized ads.
The penalty was handed down by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which said the social media giant had breached EU privacy rules.
In addition to the hefty fine, Meta has also been banned from forcing users to sign up to such ads.
Promotions are based on someone’s online activity, allowing advertisers to target those who may be interested in their products and services.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has said it will appeal the fine and the content of the decision itself.
The company added that the ruling would not prevent targeted or personalized advertising on its platforms, which include Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook.
“The decisions relate only to the legal basis that Meta uses when serving certain ads,” a spokesperson said.