The Norwegian Data Protection Authority, Datatilsynet, has won a case in the Oslo District Court against Meta over behavioural marketing.

Earlier in July, the authority imposed a temporary ban on behavioural marketing on Facebook and Instagram. Meta, the owner of the platforms, then asked the Court to suspend the decision. Now, the Oslo District Court has fully sided with the Norwegian Data Protection Authority.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s ruling and the result. This is a big victory for people’s data protection rights,” said Datatilsynet Director General Line Coll.

Behaviour-based marketing

The Norwegian Data Protection Authority had urged Meta to stop illegal behaviour-based marketing on the two social media platforms, saying it involves a very intrusive monitoring of users. Meta, however, did not stop its marketing, which made the authority also impose a compulsory fine of NKr 1m ($93,761) for every day the ban is breached.

The hearing was set on August 22 and 23, and the Court stated that the Norwegian Data Protection Authority’s decision was valid, and that there were no grounds for an injunction.

“This is a thorough ruling that provides useful clarifications. We are very pleased that the Court agrees with our assessments,” said Head of International Section, Tobias Judin.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s ruling and the result. This is a big victory for people’s data protection rights.”

Director General Line Coll

Meta has also submitted several administrative complaints regarding the Norwegian Data Protection Authority’s decision. The matter may be taken to the European Data Protection Board.