Italy Hits Meta With €805M Fine Over Photo Access Allegations

WHO:

BBC News - Meta, the social media company, was accused of accessing users’ photos without informing about 20 million users.

Techmeme (Reuters) - Italy’s data protection agency fined Meta Platforms (META.O).

IJR - Italy’s data protection regulator reportedly fined Meta over Facebook’s access to Android users’ photos and videos.

WHAT:

BBC News - Italy fined Meta €805 million over allegations that it accessed users’ photos without informing about 20 million users.

Techmeme (Reuters) - Italy’s data protection agency said it fined Meta €805 million ($887 million) for allegedly accessing Android users’ photos and videos without their consent or informing them.

IJR - Reports said the regulator fined Meta €805 million over Facebook’s access to Android users’ photos and videos without clear notice or consent.

IJR - The regulator reportedly ordered the feature disabled by default pending separate consent.

IJR - One report said it could not find an official regulator announcement confirming the penalty.

IJR - The investigation reportedly did not address the use of photos or videos for AI training.

WHERE:

Techmeme (Reuters) - The fine was imposed by Italy’s data protection agency.

IJR - The reported access involved Facebook’s Android feature.

WHY:

BBC News - The regulator cited “the high number of people affected” and said the issue was “still ongoing for those who have not updated the app and for those who have already given their consent to the system”.

Techmeme (Reuters) - The stated basis for the fine was alleged access to users’ Android photos and videos without their consent or notification.

IJR - Reports attributed the penalty to access without clear notice or consent.

HOW:

IJR - The feature was reportedly to be disabled by default until users provided separate consent.

(UPDATED November 14, 2026 18:59 UTC)

Italy fined Meta €805 million over Facebook’s access to Android users’ photos and videos. The regulator said users lacked clear notice or consent, affecting about 20 million people. Meta was reportedly ordered to disable the feature by default until users separately consent.

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(UPDATED November 14, 2026 17:57 UTC)

Italy fined Meta €805 million over Facebook’s alleged access to Android users’ photos and videos. The regulator said users were not clearly informed or asked for consent. The penalty reportedly requires disabling the feature by default until users separately consent.