Italy: Data Protection Authority ordered immediate removal of private audio content from YouTube and Instagram

On 20 August 2025, the Italian Data Protection Authority issued Provision No. 479, imposing urgent measures under Article 58(2)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to address the unlawful dissemination of a private audio recording on the YouTube channel “Falsissimo” and its subsequent circulation on Instagram. The action followed a complaint under Article 77 GDPR seeking removal and de-indexing of the content across multiple platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Google, and company channels. The Authority recalled its earlier warning of 4 August 2025 (Provision No. 467) and the 6 August press release, which noted that the disclosure likely violated Articles 1, 5, 6, 17, and 21 GDPR, as well as Articles 1 and 167 of the Italian Privacy Code. Given that the audio remained accessible, accumulating over 1.3 million views, and new content had appeared on Instagram, the Authority concluded that the violations persisted. The order requires immediate removal of the specific audio segment from the YouTube episode, deletion of the Instagram reel, and a prohibition on any further dissemination. Non-compliance may result in administrative fines under Article 83 GDPR, and the measure can be appealed within the statutory timeframe before the ordinary judicial authority.