Feed: Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Feed Link: https://www.engadget.com/
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Title: EU criticizes Meta's 'privacy for cash' business model

Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:30:42 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/eu-criticizes-metas-...

The European Union doesn't think you should have to choose between giving
Meta and other major players your data or your money. In a statement, the
European Data Protection Board (EDPB) stated that "consent or pay" models
often don't "comply with the requirements for valid consent" when a person
must choose between providing their data for behavioral advertising purposes
or pay for privacy.

The EDPB argues that only offering a paid alternative to data collection
shouldn't be the default for large online platforms. It doesn't issue a
mandate but stresses that these platforms should "give significant
consideration" to providing a free option that doesn't involve data
processing (or at least not as much). "Controllers should take care at all
times to avoid transforming the fundamental right to data protection into a
feature that individuals have to pay to enjoy," EDPB Chair Anu Talus said.
"Individuals should be made fully aware of the value and the consequences of
their choices."

Currently, EU users must pay Γé¼10 ($11) monthly for an ad-free subscription
or be forced to share their data. The EU is already investigating if this
system complies with the Digital Markets Act, which went into effect at the
beginning of March.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eu-
criticizes-metas-privacy-for-cash-business-model-103042528.html?src=rss

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