EU Privacy Watchdog: Meta Should Offer Users a Free Option Without Targeted Ads

Brussels: The European Data Protection Board, an EU privacy authority, said on Wednesday that meta platforms and other sizable internet platforms need to provide customers with the choice to use their services for free without being exposed to targeted advertising.

National privacy authorities in the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany requested that the EDPB investigate consent or payment structures used by big internet platforms like Meta.

“Controllers should seriously consider providing a backup option if they decide to charge for access to the ‘comparable alternative’. According to a statement from the EDPB, this free option should not include behavioral advertising.