Background and Relevance of the Case
In a recent development, more than 80 Spanish media outlets have initiated legal action against Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) in a Madrid court. The lawsuit seeks over 550 million euros (approximately $646 million) in damages, alleging Meta’s unfair competition practices in digital advertising.
Key Players Involved
The lawsuit was filed by the Association of Information Media (AMI), representing prominent Spanish media such as El País, El Mundo, ABC, and La Vanguardia. AMI claims Meta violated European data protection regulations by using user data without consent to create personalized advertising profiles between May 2018 and July 2023.
AMI’s Allegations and Meta’s Defense
According to AMI, Meta’s actions have threatened the survival of information media by acting predatorily and disregarding legal frameworks. AMI asserts that Meta profited immensely from mass user profiling without obtaining consent, thereby selling targeted ads. Meta, however, considers the lawsuit “infundated” and claims compliance with all applicable laws while providing users with clear options, transparent information, and control over their experience on its services.
Meta’s Emphasis on Algorithms
During the hearing, Meta executives in Spain emphasized that their advertising relies more on sophisticated algorithms rather than user data. They argued that these algorithms enable highly relevant ads for individual users, something traditional media cannot match due to limited resources. Meta has invested heavily in developing these tools, according to its representatives.
Additional Lawsuits Against Meta
Besides AMI’s lawsuit, Spanish radio and television outlets filed a separate claim against Meta in November for similar reasons, seeking 160 million euros in damages. In France, around 200 media groups, including major TV channels and newspapers, filed a similar lawsuit against Meta in April.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is suing Meta? More than 80 Spanish media outlets, represented by the Association of Information Media (AMI).
- What is the lawsuit about? The media outlets claim Meta engaged in unfair competition practices by using user data without consent to create personalized advertising profiles, causing significant damage.
- What is Meta’s defense? Meta asserts compliance with all applicable laws and argues that it provides users with clear options, transparent information, and control over their experience on its services.
- What are the additional lawsuits against Meta? Spanish radio and television outlets, as well as around 200 media groups in France, have filed separate lawsuits against Meta for similar reasons.
