The EU’s top court says Facebook-owner Meta must use less of people’s data for personalized ads. A campaigner, Max Schrems, complained that Facebook used his personal data without permission, like his sexuality, to target ads at him. The court ruled in his favor. It said Facebook cannot use sensitive data like sexual orientation for targeted ads without restrictions. Meta says it doesn’t use special category data for ads and takes privacy seriously. Users can manage their data settings. Experts say the court’s decision will affect Meta’s business model. Similar challenges might happen in other countries. Mr. Schrems has taken Meta to court multiple times. The EU court’s decision is not binding for the UK but could still have big consequences. The Austrian Supreme Court will give its final decision soon.
Vocabulary List:
- Data /ˈdeɪtə/ (noun): Facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis.
- Sensitive /ˈsensɪtɪv/ (adjective): Easily affected by external influences; involving issues that are likely to provoke controversy.
- Targeted /ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd/ (adjective): Directed towards a specific group or objective.
- Restrictions /rɪˈstrɪkʃənz/ (noun): Laws or rules that limit or control something.
- Consequences /ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/ (noun): Results or effects that follow from an action or condition.
- Business model /ˈbɪznəs ˈmɒdəl/ (noun): A plan for how a company will generate revenue and make a profit.
