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Meta Defends Ad Model as €551 Million Privacy Trial Opens in Madrid

Spanish publishers allege Meta used personal data for targeted ads without valid consent under GDPR.

More than 80 Spanish media organisations allege that Facebook owner Meta breached EU data protection rules

Overview

  • A Madrid commercial court opened the AMI lawsuit on Wednesday, with witness testimony underway and expert reports and closing arguments scheduled for Thursday.
  • The case, brought by more than 80 outlets represented by AMI, seeks €551 million for alleged unfair competition between May 2018 and July 2023.
  • Meta rejects the claims, saying there is no evidence of harm and asserting it complies with applicable laws while providing users with clear controls.
  • Meta executives told the court that algorithms and advertising tools are more decisive than raw user data, citing significant investment to target ads.
  • Parallel actions include a €160 million claim by Spanish broadcasters and a separate lawsuit filed in France by roughly 200 media companies.