Norway: Issued Datatilsynet ruling in investigation into Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook including ban on behavioural advertising

On 14 July 2023, Norway's Data Protection Authority (Datatilsynet) imposed a temporary ban on behavioural advertising on Meta's platforms Facebook and Instagram, arguing that the practice is illegal and Meta has to provide evidence that it is compliant with data protection regulations. In December 2022, the Irish Data Protection Commission ruled that Meta engaged in illegal behavioural advertising. Despite some changes, the Court of Justice of the European Union recently stated that Meta's advertising practices still don't comply with the law. As a result, Datatilsynet has imposed a temporary ban starting from 4 August 2023 that will last for three months or until Meta can demonstrate compliance. Failure to comply may result in a daily fine of up to NOK one million. The ban applies specifically to users in Norway and doesn't prohibit platforms from operating or providing targeted advertising in the country. Meta has the option to challenge the authority's decision in the Oslo District Court.