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Meta Fined $400 Million for Violating EU's General Data Protection Regulation

WireByte Staff · July 12, 2026

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined $400 million by the EU's data protection authority for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine stems from a 2018 data breach that affected millions of users. The company has since implemented measures to improve data protection. The EU's regulator argues that Meta's handling of user data remains a concern.

Key points

  • Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined $400 million by the EU's data protection authority for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • The fine stems from a 2018 data breach that affected millions of users.
  • The EU's regulator argues that Meta's handling of user data remains a concern.
  • Meta has since implemented measures to improve data protection and prevent similar breaches.
  • Analysts say the fine is a significant setback for Meta's efforts to expand its business in the EU.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined $400 million by the EU's data protection authority for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine stems from a 2018 data breach that affected millions of users. The EU's regulator argues that Meta's handling of user data remains a concern.

The fine is the largest ever imposed by the EU's data protection authority and marks a significant setback for Meta's efforts to expand its business in the EU. Meta has since implemented measures to improve data protection and prevent similar breaches.

The data breach in question occurred in 2018 and affected millions of users. The breach was caused by a vulnerability in Facebook's code that allowed hackers to access user data. Meta has since patched the vulnerability and implemented additional security measures to prevent similar breaches.

The fine is a significant blow to Meta's reputation and could have implications for the company's future business in the EU. Analysts say that the fine is a warning to companies that handle user data to take the necessary steps to protect it.

The EU's data protection authority has been cracking down on companies that violate the GDPR, and this fine is a significant example of the regulator's efforts to enforce the regulation. The fine is also a reminder to companies that handling user data is a serious responsibility and that they must take the necessary steps to protect it.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.