Internet giants first to be accused of breaking GDPR
FACEBOOK and Google were accused of breaching new data protection rules and several global businesses were knocked offline as the regulations were enforced across Europe yesterday.
Social media users who refused to accept Facebook, Twitter and Instagram’s privacy policies under the new General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, were threatened with account deactivation.
In retaliation, a group of digital privacy campaigners filed lawsuits against both Facebook, which owns Instagram and Whatsapp, and Google, which owns smartphone operating system Android, over claims they were “forcing consent” because consumers had no choice but to opt in or lose access to the service.
Several American news websites blocked access to viewers from European countries, in an apparent attempt to dodge fines.
“Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in most European countries,” a notice on each of the websites read.
“We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to the EU market.”
To further add to the chaos, some customers have complained that various internet-connected smart home products have stopped working.
Google-owned Nest, which sells internet-connected thermostats and security cameras, asked customers in Europe to agree to its updated privacy policy before they could adjust the temperature on their thermostats remotely.
Under the GDPR, which came into effect yesterday, businesses must be able to prove that the data they collect is relevant and for a specific purpose. It must also be accurate, secure and up to date.
They are required to report security breaches within 72 hours and offer consumers an option to see what information is held about them.
Those who fall foul of the law face fines of up to €20million (£17.5million) or 4 per cent of global turnover – whichever is highest. Those in Europe may start to see websites and services failing to function properly as overseas companies try to dodge liability.