Meta Settles UK Privacy Case, Halts Targeted Ads for Plaintiff

The settlement with Tanya O’Carroll avoids a court ruling but raises questions about Meta’s broader data practices and legal obligations.

Meta agreed to stop using Tanya O’Carroll’s personal data for targeted advertising as part of a legal settlement, avoiding a high court trial in the UK.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office supported O’Carroll’s case, emphasizing individuals’ absolute right to object to data processing for direct marketing.
The settlement does not establish legal liability for Meta, leaving broader questions about its data practices unresolved.
O’Carroll views the outcome as a privacy rights victory but acknowledges it is bittersweet due to the lack of a legal precedent.
Meta is reportedly considering introducing a subscription-based ad-free service in the UK, similar to its existing model in the EU.