Turkey Imposes Interim Measure on Meta Platforms Over Data Sharing Investigation
Turkey Imposes Interim Measure on Meta Platforms Over Data Sharing
In a move aimed at curbing potential data abuse, Turkey's competition authority has taken action against Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:
Investigation Initiation
The Turkish competition authority initiated an investigation into Meta Platforms in December, citing concerns about potential violations of competition laws. The focus of the investigation centered on Meta's integration of its social media platforms, specifically Instagram and the newer Threads app.
Interim Measure Implemented
As part of the ongoing investigation, Turkey's competition authority has imposed an interim measure on Meta Platforms. This measure is designed to hinder data sharing between Instagram and Threads, with the authority citing the risk of data misuse and its potential to distort competition in the market.
Purpose of the Interim Measure
The interim measure will remain in effect until a final decision is reached. The authority expressed concerns that data obtained and merged through Instagram and Threads could violate competition laws and cause irreparable damage to the market. By implementing this measure, the authority aims to address these concerns while the investigation progresses.
Fines Levied Against Meta
In addition to the interim measure, Turkey's competition authority has fined Meta Platforms 4.8 million lira (approximately $148,000) daily as part of a separate investigation. This investigation is related to a notification message sent by Meta to users regarding data sharing practices across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Transparency and Compliance Issues
The authority found that the notification message sent by Meta did not provide users with sufficient information about data sharing practices. Moreover, it was deemed insufficiently transparent and potentially misleading. The message appeared to guide users towards approving data sharing without adequately addressing anti-competition concerns.
Response from Meta Platforms
As of now, Meta Platforms has not provided an immediate comment on the decisions made by Turkey's competition authority. The company is likely to address the interim measure and fines as part of its ongoing engagement with regulatory authorities.
The imposition of an interim measure and fines against Meta Platforms underscores the growing scrutiny faced by tech companies regarding data privacy and competition practices.
