Brussels/Berlin: Facebook Inc.’s small print may be the next big thing in European antitrust as watchdogs home in on how the world’s biggest social network collects information from users that helps generate vast advertising revenues. “Whoever doesn’t agree to the data use, gets locked out of the social network community,” he said. Andreas Mundt, the Cartel Office’s president, said last week he’s “eager to present first results” of the Facebook investigation this year. The data Google gathers also means it offers better results, which makes it even harder for competitors. Those watchdogs—once relatively toothless—will be empowered next year when tougher EU data privacy rules take effect, allowing them to levy fines of as much as 4% of global annual sales.

Source: Mint July 03, 2017 05:26 UTC