South Korea has fined Google and Meta a whopping $71.8 million (100 billion KRW) for violating the country’s privacy law.
According to TechCrunch, the South Korean watchdog disclosed this in a statement, accusing Google and Meta of collecting user information for customized advertisements without consent.
In the Press release, users who use their websites and apps were not properly informed when they sign up for their services and agree to their data collection request.
The Personal Information Protection Commission ordered the companies to correct the violations and imposed fines of 69.2 billion KRW ($50 million) on Google and 30.8 billion KRW ($22 million) on Meta.
This is the largest penalty in South Korea for violating personal information protection laws and the country’s first sanction pertaining to the collection and use of behavioural information on online customized advertising platforms, according to the country’s watchdog.
Speaking with Newshound, a Meta spokesperson said, “While we respect the PIPC’s decision, we are confident that we work with our clients in a legally compliant way that meets the processes required by local regulations.
“As such, we do not agree with the commission’s decision and will be open to all options, including seeking a ruling from the court.”
