"Google and Meta hit with huge fines for violating privacy in Korea", 14 September 2022

Google and Meta Platforms have been fined a total of 100 billion won ($72 million) for violating a privacy law.

[...] The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) on Wednesday decided in a general meeting that Google has to pay 69.2 billion won and Meta 30.8 billion won for illegally collecting user behavior information from services they don't own, such as apps from other providers, and utilizing the data in personalized advertising without permission.

[...] “While we respect the PIPC’s decision, we are confident that we work with our clients in a legally compliant way that meets the processes required by local regulations," said a Meta spokesperson. "As such, we do not agree with the PIPC’s decision, and will be open to all options including seeking a ruling from the court." Google also said in a statement that "we express deep regret for the result of the PIPC's deliberation, and plan to closely review the decision.

[...] Google and Meta have been collecting user behavior data — involving websites and applications they visited or used, shopping history and search logs — from external providers and using the data to present personalized advertisements, according to the PIPC.

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