Instagram fined for the violation of the GDPR

The investigation, which focused on child users between the ages of 13 and 17, started in 2020

Ireland's data privacy regulator has levied a record fine of 405 million euros on Instagram for violating the GDPR. The regulator, after an investigation, found the platform's handling of children's data inadequate. Instagram is planning to appeal against the order, a spokesperson for Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company, said in an emailed statement. The investigation, which focused on child users between the ages of 13 and 17, started in 2020. "We adopted our final decision last Friday, and it does contain a fine of 405 million euros," said the spokesperson for Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), the lead regulator of Instagram's parent company Meta Platforms Inc.

The Meta spokesperson confirmed that Instagram had updated its settings over a year ago and has released new features to keep children safe and their information private. According to them, Instagram disagrees with the fine calculation and is reviewing the decision. The DPC regulates Facebook, Apple, Google, and other technology giants due to the location of their EU headquarters in Ireland. It has opened over a dozen investigations into Meta companies, including WhatsApp and Facebook.