Meta Ultimately Bows... Facebook and Instagram Usable Without Consent for Personal Data Provision

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, has decided not to force consent for personal information collection. Previously, Meta had warned that accounts of users who did not agree to personal information collection would be suspended. In response, user backlash and government investigations led Meta to retract its stance and begin damage control.

On the 28th, Meta stated in a press release, “This revision was made based on feedback from users and privacy experts, reflecting the latest service status and aiming to make the existing content easier to understand,” adding, “There is no change through this update, and the type or amount of data collected or processed remains the same as before.”

Meta further explained, “In particular, the Korean consent procedure was an additional measure prepared to meet Korea’s privacy protection expectations,” and “This revision and consent procedure are additional measures to enhance transparency regarding policies already in place, and there is no change in the collection and processing of personal information, which we also explained to the Personal Information Protection Commission.”

It continued, “Through this, the Personal Information Protection Commission and Meta agreed that withdrawing the consent procedure for the revised personal information processing policy better aligns with the interests of Korean users,” and “Therefore, users do not need to take any separate action to continue using Meta’s products and services.”

Meta concluded by emphasizing, “The goal of this update is to clarify data-related policies further by adding specific details and various examples,” and added, “We have introduced access control methods so that users can experience our products in a way that suits them.”

It also stated, “Users can manage their personal information settings at any time, and Meta will continue to make every effort to transparently inform users of any significant changes in the collection, use, and sharing of user information.”

On the same day, the Personal Information Protection Commission held a meeting with senior Meta officials at the Government Seoul Office to express concerns regarding Meta’s personal information processing policy. It was also announced that, as a result of Meta officials sufficiently conveying the Korean government’s position to headquarters, Meta decided to retract the revision of the personal information processing policy.

Since May 26, Meta has informed Facebook and Instagram users that they must agree to the collection and use of personal information under the new personal information processing policy.

Meta required mandatory consent for six items: △ collection and use of personal information △ provision of personal information △ cross-border transfer of personal information △ location information △ updates to the personal information processing policy △ terms of service.

After August 9, it was announced that users must agree to the update to use their accounts, which sparked criticism among users that personal information collection was being forced.