Italy: Issued AGCM ruling in investigation into Meta Platforms over alleged deceptive commercial practices including EUR 3.5 million

On 5 June 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (AGCM) imposed a fine of EUR 3.5 million on Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. and its parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., for engaging in two unfair commercial practices related to the management of Facebook and Instagram social network accounts. The AGCM identified that Meta breached Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Consumer Code by failing to promptly inform users who registered to Instagram via the web about the commercial use of their data. Furthermore, Meta was found to inaccurately manage the suspension of users' accounts on Facebook and Instagram, violating Article 20 of the Consumer Code. This included not clarifying the basis of account suspensions, automated or manual review, and not informing users about their rights to contest suspensions, imposing a restrictive 30-day period for such challenges. Meta discontinued these practices during the proceedings.