Spain’s government is launching a formal investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, over claims of mass privacy violations involving Android users. President Pedro Sánchez announced the inquiry on Wednesday, framing it as a matter of national law exceeding the authority of any tech corporation.
The Allegations: Systematic Tracking of Web History
The investigation centers around allegations that Meta deployed a hidden mechanism to monitor the browsing activity of Android users for roughly a year, from September 2024 to earlier this year. This means that Meta allegedly tracked what websites individuals visited, potentially without their explicit knowledge or consent.
Why this matters: Such practices raise serious questions about corporate overreach and the extent to which tech companies can exploit user data. Tracking web history allows for extremely targeted advertising, but also raises concerns about manipulation and the erosion of digital privacy.
Government Response: Accountability and Future Regulations
President Sánchez emphasized that “anyone who violates our rights will pay the consequences,” signaling a firm stance against potential misconduct by Meta. The Spanish parliament plans to summon Meta representatives and technical experts to determine responsibility and ensure that citizens’ rights were not systematically violated.
Beyond the immediate investigation, Sánchez announced plans for a broader set of “Big Tech” regulations scheduled for implementation by the first half of 2026. These regulations will target disinformation, child protection, hate speech, and privacy.
Potential Diplomatic Tension
The move could strain relations with the U.S. administration, given Meta’s American corporate status. Spain has a history of taking assertive action against large technology firms, notably introducing a “Google tax” in 2018 – the first European nation to do so. This shows Spain is willing to challenge the dominance of tech giants even if it means risking diplomatic friction.
The situation is still developing: The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, but Spain’s action sends a clear message that digital privacy is a priority and that tech companies will be held accountable for alleged abuses.
