Italian regulator fines Meta 805 million euros over Android photo access violations

The Italian data protection authority imposed a fine of 805 million euros against Meta on November 14, 2026. The penalty follows an investigation into the Facebook Android application for accessing user photos, videos, and metadata without specific consent or adequate explanation. The regulator determined the fine based on the impact on approximately 20 million Android users in Italy and the ongoing nature of the infringement.

Unauthorized gallery feature access

The regulatory action centers on the gallery suggestions feature within the Facebook Android application. This feature, which has been available since 2023, suggests content from a user's phone gallery for potential posts. The Italian regulator found that the application accessed user files without obtaining the required specific consent from the users. The investigation concluded that the platform failed to provide an adequate explanation regarding how this data was being utilized by the application.

The scale of the violation is significant due to the volume of affected individuals. The authority noted that the infringement impacted approximately 20 million Android users located in Italy. Furthermore, reports indicated that Meta demonstrated a lack of cooperation during the investigation process. The fine, which is valued at approximately 880 million US dollars or 142 billion yen, reflects the ongoing nature of the data access practices identified by the authorities.

Meta opposition and legal appeals

Meta has expressed strong opposition to the decision and the amount of the fine. A Meta spokesperson stated that the company strongly opposes the decision and described the fine amount as disproportionate. The company is currently intending to appeal the ruling. Meta maintains that it disputes the assessment of the facts by the regulator and disputes the interpretation of the law applied in this case.

This regulatory action follows other significant legal challenges faced by the company. In late October 2026, a judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay 25 billion US dollars for misleading residents regarding data usage. Meta described the New Mexico fine as a tax on freedom of expression.

Historical regulatory context

The fine against Meta occurs amid a broader landscape of strict enforcement regarding data privacy and competition laws in Europe. In 2021, Amazon was initially fined over 1.1 billion euros for competition law violations. That specific fine was later reduced to 752 million euros following an appeal process.

The current 805 million euro penalty highlights the increasing scrutiny on how large technology companies manage user metadata and personal media files on mobile operating systems. The Italian regulator's decision emphasizes the requirement for explicit user consent when applications access sensitive personal files like photos and videos on Android devices.

Glossary

• Meta — Meta is a company that has faced legal challenges regarding data usage. The company has expressed opposition to regulatory decisions and fines.
• Android — Android is a mobile operating system. It is used by individuals on devices that run various applications.
• New Mexico — New Mexico is a location where a judge ordered Meta to pay a fine for misleading residents regarding data usage.