Spain’s government has announced that it will launch an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over alleged violations of user privacy and data protection laws. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of tech giants in Europe regarding compliance with stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards.
Scope of the Investigation
- The probe will examine whether Meta collected, stored, or shared user data without proper consent, potentially infringing on Spanish and EU privacy regulations.
- Authorities are particularly interested in how Meta handles personal data of minors, targeted advertising practices, and cross-border data transfers.
- The investigation may involve on-site inspections, document requests, and interviews with company officials.
Government Statements
- Spanish Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ digital privacy, stating that no company is above the law.
- The PM highlighted that compliance with GDPR is mandatory, and violations can result in significant fines and sanctions.
Meta’s Response
- Meta has not yet issued a detailed public response, though past statements suggest the company intends to cooperate with regulatory authorities.
- The company previously faced scrutiny in other EU countries over privacy concerns, resulting in both fines and procedural adjustments.
Broader Context
- Across Europe, regulators are increasingly monitoring tech companies’ data practices, reflecting rising public concern over privacy breaches, misinformation, and data misuse.
- This investigation signals that Spain is intensifying enforcement of GDPR, joining other EU nations in holding tech giants accountable.
Implications
- If violations are confirmed, Meta could face substantial fines and legal restrictions in Spain and possibly influence broader EU-wide policy enforcement.
- The probe may also prompt stricter internal compliance protocols across Meta’s platforms to avoid further legal action.
References
- Reuters – “Spain to probe Meta over alleged privacy breaches, PM says”
https://www.reuters.com/technology/spain-probe-meta-alleged-privacy-breaches-pm-2025-11-20/ - BBC News – “Spanish government to investigate Meta for potential GDPR violations”
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63675922 - The Guardian – “Meta under Spanish scrutiny for user data practices”
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/20/spain-meta-privacy-gdpr-investigation - EU GDPR Portal – “General Data Protection Regulation overview”
https://www.eugdpr.org/
