Facebook and Google Fined by France for Cookies

French officials fined Google and Facebook over the cookies used. The total amount of fine is 210 million euros which are almost $240 million. The news was revealed by CNIL, the data privacy observer. According to the report, these social media don’t give much choice for their users to escape the online trackers.

CNIL watches closely the cookies use statistics since it is a top priority for the data privacy regulations in the EU. According to the official statement, both Facebook and Google companies have 3 months to change the settings and make sure that they act in accordance with the EU’s regulations. Otherwise, they will be fined 100 000 euros for every day they did not comply with the basic requirements.

Originally cookies were created to store the data for web browsers, but now they can also send them targeted ads. After you accept cookies, which usually happens with a click, the process begins. Commission Nationale Informatique & Libertes found that users did not have much choice but to accept cookies. There was no button to refuse.

Google agreed with this decision. The company confirmed that they understand the responsibility they have for users who trust them. They agreed to work closely with CNIL and paid the fine of 150 million euros. As for Facebook, the company that was fined 60 million euros said that they are looking to change this decision. According to the company, owned by Meta now, their cookies are advanced and allow people to control the data they receive, including the new menu for settings on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook said that they are working hard to improve controls based on their users’ demands.

Do you agree with French officials? How often do you accept cookies without putting too much thought there? Share your experience in the comments below.