Italian authorities have fined Meta, the parent company of Facebook, 805 million euros for accessing photos and videos from Android smartphone galleries without obtaining specific user consent. The Italian Data Protection Authority announced the decision on November 14, 2026, following an investigation into a Facebook feature that suggests content to share from users' saved photos. The regulator found that this feature was enabled by default and relied on overly broad Android permissions.
The investigation revealed that around 20 million Android users in Italy may have been affected by the feature. The authority has ordered Meta to disable the feature by default and obtain separate consent within 60 days. The fine relates to the conditions of access to galleries and the information provided to users. Meta has expressed disagreement with the decision, calling the fine disproportionate and planning to appeal.
According to Meta, users must grant permission on their device before the feature can be used, and they can modify this permission in their settings. The company argues that the Italian regulator's decision does not constitute a definitive judicial conclusion. The fine is one of the largest ever imposed on a tech giant in Italy, highlighting the country's strict stance on data protection.
The Italian regulator's decision emphasizes the importance of users controlling the permissions granted to Facebook and other applications on their devices. Users can typically choose to allow access to all photos, a selection of images, or deny access altogether, with options varying depending on the device and operating system version.
While the Italian investigation did not concern the potential use of these files to train artificial intelligence models, it highlights the need for users to be vigilant about data sharing. The case serves as a reminder for users in other countries, including Mauritius, to review the permissions granted to Facebook and other applications on their devices.
Meta's decision to appeal the fine suggests that the company is willing to contest the regulator's findings. The outcome of the appeal process remains uncertain, but the case is likely to have implications for how tech companies handle user data in the future.
The Italian regulator's action demonstrates the country's commitment to enforcing data protection laws and holding tech companies accountable for their handling of user data. As Meta prepares to appeal the decision, users and regulators alike will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
Key points
- Meta plans to appeal the 805 million euro fine imposed by the Italian regulator.
- The fine relates to Meta's access to user photos and videos without specific consent.
- Around 20 million Android users in Italy may have been affected by the feature.
