Facebook Faces $1.6 Billion Fine Over Massive Data Breach
Have you heard about the major data breach involving Facebook?
The Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC) has launched an investigation into Facebook following a significant breach affecting nearly 50 million accounts. Discovered on September 24, 2018, hackers exploited Facebook’s “View As” feature to steal access tokens—digital keys granting full control over user accounts and connected third-party apps. Although Facebook patched the vulnerability within two days, the incident raised serious concerns.
The investigation will determine whether Facebook violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European privacy law that mandates strict data protection measures. Non-compliance could lead to a fine of up to $1.63 billion. However, experts suggest such a maximum penalty is unlikely.
The IDPC criticized Facebook for delays in clarifying the breach’s scope and potential risks to users. While Facebook has assured regulators of its ongoing internal investigation and remedial actions, critics argue that the company failed to conduct sufficient security testing. Data protection expert Rowenna Fielding noted that Facebook underestimated the risks associated with its “View As” feature.
This case is a pivotal moment for GDPR enforcement. Cybersecurity expert Dr. Lukasz Olejnik described it as a defining test of whether tech giants like Facebook are meeting their obligations to secure user data effectively.
As the largest breach in Facebook’s history, this incident has amplified scrutiny on the platform, which is already under fire for issues like election interference and misinformation. The IDPC’s findings could set a landmark precedent, potentially paving the way for lawsuits from affected users.
Facebook has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, the outcome of which may redefine expectations for accountability and data security under GDPR.
Protect Your Facebook Account
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Stay tuned—we’ll keep you updated on this developing story with more insights on our blog.
