MADRID (Reuters) -Spain’s data protection watchdog AEPD ordered the provisional suspension of two Meta products. The tools were slated for deployment on Instagram and Facebook for the upcoming European election.
AEPD stated that the tools, named “Election Day Information” (EDI) and “Voter Information Unit” (VIU), could breach GDPR regulations. The watchdog emphasized potential violations.
A Meta spokesperson stated their election tools prioritize user privacy and GDPR compliance. Despite disagreement with AEPD’s assessment, Meta cooperated with their request.
Meta intends to send notifications from VIU and EDI to all eligible users in the EU, as per the agency’s statement. These notifications aim to remind users to vote.
AEPD stated Meta’s data processing would violate Spanish data protection regulations. The watchdog emphasized breaches of data protection principles.
It added that Meta was selecting eligible voters based on the data contained in users’ profiles about their city of residence, as well as their IP addresses. But the only condition to be allowed to vote in the European election is being an adult national of any of the EU’s member states.
The decision by Spain data watchdog underscores the importance of safeguarding user data and ensuring transparency in digital platforms.
In response to Spain data watchdog’s actions, Meta has stated its commitment to complying with local regulations and addressing concerns raised by authorities.
However, Meta also emphasized the importance of providing users with tools to engage in political discourse.
Nevertheless, the incident raises questions about the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring the integrity of democratic processes.
Furthermore, it highlights the need for greater collaboration between tech firms and regulatory bodies like Spain data watchdog to uphold democratic values and protect user data.
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