Italian regulator fines Meta €805 million

Italy’s data protection authority fined Meta (the organization is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation) €805 million, Vedomosti reported citing Adnkronos. Proceedings in this case began in July 2025. The issue concerns the Facebook for Android feature “Get a suggestion from your gallery when browsing Facebook”, which appeared in 2023 and offers photos and videos stored on the phone for posting on the social network.

According to Adnkronos, through this app the company gained access to data of more than 20 million Italian users without obtaining their prior consent. The investigation found that with one-time permission, the system effectively gained access to all user data.

The decision states that within 60 days Meta must request consent through a separate and specific prompt for this feature alone and clearly explain to users what it is for, that it involves access to the gallery, and how to disable it. The regulator also required the feature to remain disabled by default, including for those who have already granted authorization, and the company must report on the measures taken within 90 days.

Sources

• Vedomosti