In recent developments, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly circumventing Apple’s stringent privacy policies. These allegations have sparked a series of legal challenges and raised significant concerns about user data privacy and corporate transparency.
Background on Apple’s Privacy Policies
In 2021, Apple introduced the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework as part of its iOS 14.5 update. This policy mandates that app developers obtain explicit user consent before tracking their activities across other companies’ apps and websites. The primary objective of ATT is to empower users with greater control over their personal data and to enhance overall privacy.
Allegations Against Meta
Several reports and legal actions have surfaced, accusing Meta of employing tactics to bypass Apple’s ATT framework:
1. In-App Browser Tracking: Research indicates that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram apps utilize in-app browsers that inject JavaScript code into third-party websites. This code allegedly enables Meta to monitor user interactions, including form inputs and taps, without obtaining proper consent. Such practices could potentially violate both Apple’s policies and broader data protection regulations. ([cpomagazine.com](https://www.cpomagazine.com/data-privacy/lawsuit-accuses-meta-of-dodging-apple-privacy-rules-by-using-facebook-and-instagram-in-app-browsers/?utm_source=openai))
2. Inflated Advertising Metrics: A former Meta product manager, Samujjal Purkayastha, has alleged that the company overstated the performance of its Shops Ads by including gross sales figures with taxes and shipping, inflating metrics by up to 19%. Additionally, Purkayastha claims that Meta used undeclared tracking methods to bypass Apple’s ATT policy, thereby regaining user data lost due to the new privacy measures. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/be6a99d2-22de-48ec-9afa-1d2e2f709afc?utm_source=openai))
3. Legal Actions and Fines: In April 2025, the European Commission fined Meta €200 million for violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission found that Meta’s consent or pay model, which required users to either accept personalized ads or pay for an ad-free experience, infringed upon users’ rights to freely consent to data usage. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/7924bfffe1da801a5023057faa9a511b?utm_source=openai))
Meta’s Response
Meta has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In response to the European Commission’s fine, the company stated that the decision attempts to handicap successful American businesses and expressed intentions to appeal the ruling. Meta maintains that its advertising practices comply with existing regulations and that it is committed to user privacy.
Broader Implications
These allegations and subsequent legal actions against Meta underscore the ongoing tension between tech giants and regulatory bodies over user data privacy. They highlight the challenges in enforcing privacy policies and the need for transparent practices in data collection and usage. As digital platforms continue to evolve, ensuring user trust through compliance with privacy standards remains paramount.
Conclusion
The recent allegations against Meta for allegedly circumventing Apple’s privacy policies have brought to light critical issues surrounding user data protection and corporate accountability. As legal proceedings unfold, the outcomes may set significant precedents for how tech companies handle user data and adhere to privacy regulations in the future.
