Turkish Competition Board slapped a $38.2 million fine on Meta Platforms following the conclusion of two separate investigations into data-sharing practices across its Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads platforms.
The Board initiated an investigation into Meta in December on suspicion of violating competition law by linking its social media platforms Threads and Instagram. In March, an interim measure was imposed on Meta to impede data sharing between the two platforms.
Meta announced last month its temporary shutdown of Threads in Turkey to comply with the interim order.
On Wednesday, the Board announced a fine of $27.8 million for the compliance process and investigations related to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. An additional $10.4 million fine was imposed for a separate investigation into Threads.
According to the Board’s decision, users will have the option to merge personal data between Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp with their consent and will receive notifications about data usage. Users can later adjust their settings using an “accounts center” on the platforms.
Previously, in January, Meta was fined $160,000 per day for insufficient documentation in a previous investigation.
Additionally, a daily fine of nearly $150,000 was imposed in March over a notification message regarding data-sharing. Both penalties concluded on May 3.
In 2022, Meta was fined over $10 million by the Board for violating competition law.
