Belgians will need a Facebook account to view Facebook public content

Facebook will require Belgian users to create a Facebook account to be able to view its public content. The company was not able to reach an agreement with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (Commissie voor de bescherming von de persoonlijke levensfeer) and it is expecting to receive an order prohibiting the use of cookies to track users who did not consent to the processing of their personal data (source: BBC).

Facebook said it will appeal the decision. The DPA’s decision follows a recent ruling by the Brussels Court of First Instance (Rechtbank van eerste aanleg) (see here).

Facebook expects the Belgian authority “to apply these restrictions across the web, which could restrict Belgians’ access to websites with maps, videos, share buttons, and similar content.” See here.

Facebook to appeal Belgian court’s order to stop unconsented “datr cookie” tracking

For more information, Francesca Giannoni-Crystal

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