EU Court Rules Against Meta's Use of Sensitive Data for Ads

The European Union's top court has restricted Meta from using personal data, such as sexual orientation, for targeted advertising without explicit consent.

The Court of Justice of the European Union sided with privacy activist Max Schrems, ruling that Meta cannot use sensitive personal data for advertising without user consent.
The ruling emphasizes the principle of 'data minimization' under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), limiting how long and what type of data can be used for ads.
Meta has been accused of targeting ads based on user data collected both on and off its platforms, a practice now deemed unlawful by the EU court.
Schrems' case highlights the potential risks of using sensitive data for targeted ads, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas where they may face discrimination.
Meta claims it takes privacy seriously and has invested significantly in privacy measures, but the ruling mandates stricter adherence to data protection laws.