Meta Settles UK Privacy Lawsuit Over Targeted Advertising Practices

The settlement with Tanya O’Carroll requires Meta to stop using her data for targeted ads, potentially influencing broader privacy challenges.

Tanya O’Carroll’s lawsuit argued that Meta violated UK data laws by refusing to honor her right to object to data processing for targeted advertising.
Meta settled the case without admitting legal liability, agreeing to stop using O’Carroll’s data for targeted ads.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office supported O’Carroll, affirming individuals’ absolute right to object to their data being used for direct marketing.
The settlement could set a precedent for other users to challenge Meta’s data practices under GDPR and UK privacy laws.
Meta is considering introducing a subscription-based ad-free service in the UK, similar to its existing model in the EU, in response to regulatory pressures.