Amid growing distrust between European regulators and Meta, the Netherlands has issued a stern warning to its government. LA News Center has learned that the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has advised against relying on Facebook pages for official communication unless the social media giant provides clarity on its privacy practices.
The DPA’s concerns stem from uncertainty about how Meta collects and uses personal data from individuals visiting government Facebook pages. This includes sensitive information such as political views, religious beliefs, and personal preferences.
Dutch Government Demands Answers
The Dutch Interior Ministry had sought the DPA’s guidance on the legality of using Facebook pages. In response, the DPA warned that the government could be forced to terminate its Facebook presence unless Meta addresses its concerns.
Dutch Minister for Digitalization, Alexandra van Huffelen, emphasized, “We demand clarity from Meta on how they are addressing our concerns as soon as possible, at the latest before the summer recess. Otherwise, we will be forced to stop our activities on Facebook pages.”
Morning traffic outside Meta headquarters, in Mountain View, California, U.S. November 9, 2022. (Peter Dasilva | Reuters)
Protecting Citizens’ Data
DPA Chairman, Aleid Wolfsen, stressed the importance of safeguarding citizens’ trust in government entities. “People who visit a government page trust that their personal and sensitive information is in safe hands,” he said.
Wolfsen highlighted the particular vulnerability of children and young people online, necessitating extra protections.
Meta’s Response
A Meta spokesperson contested the DPA’s assessment, stating, “We fundamentally disagree with the assessment that underpins this advice, which is wrong on the facts and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding as to how our products work.”
Meta maintains that all its products comply with regional laws and expressed a continued willingness to collaborate with the government to facilitate social media communication.
Growing Tensions with European Regulators
Matthew Holman, a tech and privacy expert from Cripps law firm, believes the DPA’s advice reflects an intensifying mistrust between European regulators and Meta.
Holman cautions that the DPA’s concerns likely stem from the possibility that user data shared with government departments on Meta’s platform could be accessed or monitored by US federal agencies due to security issues.
As the Dutch government awaits answers from Meta, the future of its social media presence on Facebook remains uncertain. One thing is clear: European regulators are increasingly scrutinizing tech giants’ data practices, with Meta facing a rising tide of privacy concerns.
