Connect with us

Tech

Meta platforms: Countdown to million-crown daily fine in Norway

Published

on

Norway’s data protection authority, Datatilsynet, has announced that it will impose a daily fine of one million Norwegian crowns ($98,500) on Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, starting from August 14 due to privacy breaches. 

The decision comes after Datatilsynet warned on July 17 that the company would face penalties unless it addressed the identified privacy violations.

The regulator’s move targets Meta’s practice of harvesting user data in Norway, including physical locations, to enable targeted behavioural advertising, a common strategy among major tech companies. The fine is scheduled to remain in effect until November 3, pending any potential extension or permanence based on the decision of the European Data Protection Board.

Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet’s international section, emphasised the impending consequences, stating, “As of next Monday, a daily fine of 1 million crown will start to apply.” This enforcement reflects the authority’s determination to uphold data protection standards within the country and potentially across Europe.

Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it operates within the European single market, which could lead to a broader impact if the case is referred to the European Data Protection Board. Datatilsynet has not yet taken this step.

In response to these regulatory challenges, Meta recently announced its intention to seek user consent within the European Union before facilitating businesses’ targeted advertising based on user activities on Facebook and Instagram. This adjustment aligns with a directive from Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner issued in January, calling for a reevaluation of Meta’s legal basis for ad targeting in the region.

As the fine’s implementation date draws near, Meta Platforms will likely be under increased scrutiny not only in Norway but also from other European data protection authorities. 

Latest News

WhatsApp launches bulk channel management functionality

Published

on

By

WhatsApp has initiated testing of a bulk channel administration feature on iOS for select beta users, enabling the simultaneous selection of many channels, hence enhancing the efficiency of managing following channels.

This essential update enables users to perform bulk activities, including muting many channels simultaneously, designating them as read, and altering notifications. If the chosen channels are muted, users will now have the option to activate notifications. Users can swiftly silence unmuted channels in one action.

Additionally, this feature enables users to unfollow many channels simultaneously, thereby optimizing the process of decluttering their channel list. This change is particularly beneficial for users that oversee numerous subscriptions, as reported by WABetaInfo.

Previously, users were required to manage each channel individually, rendering tasks such as muting or designating channels as read laborious and time-consuming.

The functionality provides enhanced flexibility and control over channel subscriptions, enabling users to efficiently manage notifications. The solution streamlines laborious operations for consumers who subscribe to numerous channels, hence enhancing their entire experience.

Accessibility
The bulk management feature is presently accessible exclusively to a limited number of beta testers who installed the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS using the TestFlight application. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, plans to expand the feature’s availability to a larger user base in the next weeks.

This update demonstrates WhatsApp’s dedication to enhancing user experience by offering a clear and efficient method for managing channels and notifications.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Pakistani internet slowdown: ongoing submarine cable issue

Published

on

By

Even after two weeks, the global submarine cable AAA-1 problem that was discovered on January 2 near Qatar has not been fixed, causing sluggish internet connection in several Pakistani towns.

According to a representative for Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the issue has affected customers’ capacity to effectively access social media applications and browse the online. Even with initiatives to fix the problem, social networking sites still lag during busy times.

Internet traffic has been redirected via alternate channels to lessen the impact, and more capacity has been set up to stabilize the service.

The PTCL representative promised that “Internet service across the country is operating normally, and there will be no issues with web browsing,” noting that social media applications’ lag is common during

Continue Reading

Business

Government and SIFC Work Together to Advance the IT Sector: Youth Skills ICT Training Portal Launched

Published

on

By

In an effort to better prepare young people for opportunities in the quickly changing technology sector, the government has launched a new ICT training portal.

To allow graduates to work with IT companies, Huawei and the Ministry of IT have struck an agreement. This program will give participants hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).

There is now a training program that offers three-year internships to graduates. Huawei has also stated that it is dedicated to helping with training initiatives and contemporary technology.

In order to strengthen technical training, Huawei signed an MOU with COMSATS University Islamabad, further demonstrating its support.

Plans call for establishing training facilities in Karachi and growing the initiative across the country.

These projects funded by the Special Investment Facilitation Council are key to revitalizing Pakistan’s economy and fostering growth in the IT sector.

Continue Reading

Trending