France fines Google and Facebook over cookies

Data privacy watchdog CNIL said both sites were making it difficult for Internet users to deny online trackers.

Consent to the use of cookies is key to EU data privacy regulation and a top priority for CNIL.

Social media firms have three months to comply or face a fine of up to 100,000 euros per day for delays.

Cookies are small packets of data that allow web browsers to store and deliver information, for example, targeted ads.

“When you accept cookies, it happens in just one click,” said Karen Kefer, CNIL’s head of data protection and restrictions.

“Rejecting cookies should be as easy as accepting them.”

In a statement, the Commission Nationale Informatique & Libertés stated that it had noticed that the tech giants had provided a virtual button to allow cookies to be accepted immediately, but that was tantamount to simply denying them. do not have.

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Google, which was fined 150 150 million, said: “People trust us to respect and protect their right to privacy. We understand our responsibility to protect that trust. In light of this, we are committed to further changes and active work with CNIL. With this decision. “

Facebook, which now owns Meta, said it was “reviewing” the 60 60 million fine.

“Our cookie consent controls give people maximum control over their data, including a new settings menu on Facebook and Instagram, where people can revisit and manage their decisions at any time. And we continue to develop and improve those controls, “he said.