EU Court Rules Against Meta's Data Practices

The European Union's top court ruled against Meta Platforms, Inc., stating that the company cannot use personal data about users, such as sexual orientation obtained outside its platforms, for targeted advertising under GDPR regulations. This decision, a significant victory for privacy activist Max Schrems, emphasizes the principle of data minimization, which restricts data collection to only what is necessary. The Court of Justice of the European Union clarified that Meta cannot indefinitely retain personal data or use it without restrictions, marking a substantial shift in how social media companies handle user data. Schrems had argued that Meta's use of sensitive data violated GDPR principles, as the information was not provided directly by users on the platform. In response, Meta acknowledged the ruling and reiterated its commitment to user privacy, emphasizing available tools for users to manage their data. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Meta, potentially impacting other tech firms that rely on personal data for advertising in the EU.