Norway bans Facebook and Instagram from tracking online users and placing ads with effect from August 4

Thanks to CTOnews.com netizen OC_Formula for the clue delivery! CTOnews.com, July 18 (Xinhua)-- according to foreign media POLITICO, the Norwegian data Protection Agency has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to stop displaying personalized ads to Norwegian users based on their online activities and estimated locations. The ban takes effect from August 4 and lasts for three months.

The Norwegian Datatilsynet agency said Meta's advertising practices on Facebook and Instagram currently involve "handling very private and sensitive personal data through highly opaque and intrusive monitoring and analysis operations".

During the ban, Facebook and Instagram can only place customized ads based on information filled in by users, and Meta will face a daily fine of 1 million Norwegian kroner (CTOnews.com) if it violates the order.

In addition, if Meta finds a way to legally handle personal data and allows users to opt out of tracking-based targeted ads at any time, it can lift the temporary ban.