Spain investigates Meta, alleging it tracked people with Android

The Spanish Parliament launches an investigation into Meta for a possible violation of the privacy of Facebook and Instagram users. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said that in Spain "the law stands above any algorithm or technological platform".

The investigation is based on international research that revealed that Meta tracked the web activity of Android device users using a hidden mechanism.

Meta has not yet responded to the allegations. The investigation could further worsen relations between Spain and the US, as Washington has criticised Madrid for failing to meet NATO spending targets and its close relations with China.

According to the Spanish government, Meta may have violated several European Union laws, including the GDPR, the ePrivacy Directive, the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act. The Mark Zuckerberg-led company will have to testify before a House of Commons committee.

Meta has already faced litigation with the European Commission, which fined it €798 million in 2024 for abusing its Facebook Marketplace status and accused it of violating the Digital Services Act in its pay-or-consent-based advertising model.

(reuters, max)