Instagram, a photo-sharing app that goes by the name META, has been widely criticized as having the wrong influence on teenagers. Studies have also come out that this social media app causes depression and suicidal tendencies in children. Meanwhile, a fresh blow has come to Instagram in the form of a hefty fine.
A country called Ireland has fined the popular social media app 405 million euros (over Rs. 32,000 crore). The action is alleging violation of children’s privacy, including publication of e-mail addresses and phone numbers on Instagram.
The fine was imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission. It is also the second highest fine levied under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Instagram is the third meta company to be fined by the Irish DPC.
The investigation, which began in 2020, focused on child users between the ages of 13 and 17 who were allowed to use business accounts on Instagram. Such accounts are allowed to publish the child user’s phone number and email address
Meanwhile, Instagram plans to appeal the fine, a spokesperson for Meta Platforms Inc ( META.O ) said in an emailed statement.