Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has emerged as the most heavily fined social media company under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), racking up a staggering €2.7 billion in penalties—most of it tied to violations involving children’s data privacy.
A new report by cybersecurity firm Surfshark reveals that five major platforms—Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)—have collectively paid out €3.9 billion in GDPR fines. Meta alone accounts for nearly 70% of that figure, cementing its reputation as the most penalized company in GDPR history.
Instagram’s €405 Million Fine Over Children’s Data
The most striking fine came in 2022, when Instagram was slapped with a €405 million penalty for automatically setting child business accounts to public by default—exposing minors’ sensitive information without consent.
In late 2024, Facebook faced another massive blow: a €251 million fine related to a data breach that compromised personal data of underage users. These back-to-back infractions make Meta the standout violator under Europe’s rigorous data protection laws.
TikTok, LinkedIn, and X Also Penalized
TikTok hasn’t been spared. The platform has been fined three times, with penalties totaling €890 million. Violations include allowing underage accounts to default to public, failing to publish privacy policies in local languages, and enabling adults to falsely act as guardians without verification.
Meanwhile, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) have received single fines of €310 million and €450,000, respectively.
Interestingly, platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, and Threads have yet to be penalized—but experts warn this should not be mistaken for full compliance.
“The current enforcement efforts by data protection authorities are rather reactive, sometimes they are non-existent at all,” said Felix Mikolasch, data protection lawyer at NOYB, a European privacy advocacy group.
Over one-third of all GDPR-related fines imposed on social platforms have been due to mishandling children’s personal data.
EU Enforcement Tightens as Fines Rise 30% Since 2023
Since Surfshark’s previous report in October 2023, GDPR fines have surged by 30%, driven by four major new cases: two involving Meta, one TikTok, and one LinkedIn.
This trend reflects a growing resolve in the EU to enforce data privacy laws, especially as platforms increasingly target younger audiences and collect vast amounts of personal data.
Nigeria’s Compliance-First Approach: A Missed Opportunity?
While European regulators ramp up fines and public accountability, Nigeria has taken a markedly different approach. Social media giants like Meta and TikTok continue to operate freely in the country, despite having similar data collection practices.
To date, no major fines have been issued under Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2023 and is largely modeled after the GDPR.
According to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC):
“Usually, when we investigate and find a breach, if they are ready to comply with the law, what is the point of making noise? It’s only when an organisation is unwilling to comply that we impose sanctions.”
He further noted that the NDPC considers the potential economic impact of sanctions, suggesting that penalizing foreign tech companies might discourage investment.
However, critics argue that this “compliance-first” model lacks the teeth needed to drive meaningful data protection reforms.
Enforcement or Engagement: Which Model Works?
Europe’s message is clear: break the rules, pay the price. Nigeria, however, prefers dialogue, collaboration, and soft enforcement. The question is: can a trust-based model be effective when global precedents show that strict enforcement gets results?
As data privacy continues to dominate the digital agenda, the world will be watching to see whether Nigeria strengthens its stance—or continues to tread lightly.
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