The parent company of Facebook has been penalized by the European Union's privacy regulator for incorrect storage of user passwords. The penalty is linked to a larger probe into how Meta treats user information under GDPR. According to the authorities, Meta violated GDPR's tough data protection standards. Meta did not meet the strict data security regulations laid out by GDPR.

The DPC disclosed that a security failure impacted numerous users of Facebook and Instagram, along with WhatsApp. Due to the unprotected nature of the passwords, users became easy targets for cyber incidents and heightened the likelihood of data breaches. Regulators in the EU are examining Meta closely as a part of multiple data privacy and protection investigations.

Highlights

1-Meta faced a €91 million fine for breaking GDPR rules because of its inadequate storage of passwords.

2-A million users on Facebook and Instagram fell victim to this problem, creating vulnerabilities for data breaches.

3-Meta changed its approach by boosting the protection of its protocols.

To address the fine issue, Meta admitted the problem and confirmed they had safeguarded user passwords by using encryption and enhanced security protocols. The company's post-violation compliance does not satisfy the EU regulator, who insists that preventive measures should have happened from the start. Over the years, Meta has dealt with multiple penalties totaling €91 million as the company struggles with changing data privacy regulations in Europe. With Meta broadening its offerings globally, the duty to secure user information has become a priority.

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