GDPR Fines on Big Tech: Understanding the 10 Largest Penalties

GDPR Fines on Big Tech: The Top 10 Largest Penalties

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has imposed substantial fines on technology giants for breaches of data protection laws. Here, we detail the ten largest GDPR fines affecting Big Tech companies.

1. Facebook: €5 Billion Fine

In 2019, Facebook faced the largest GDPR penalty to date, amounting to €5 billion, due to privacy violations linked to user data mishandling. This fine was an epitome of government action against mishandling data.

2. Google: €50 Million Fine

In a landmark case in 2019, Google was fined €50 million for failing to provide sufficient transparency regarding personal data usage, setting a precedent for other tech firms.

3. Amazon: €746 Million Fine

In 2021, Amazon faced scrutiny leading to a fine of €746 million for improper data processing, emphasizing the compliance requirements imposed by GDPR.

4. WhatsApp: €225 Million Fine

WhatsApp was fined €225 million in 2021 for inadequate transparency policies regarding data sharing among users.

5. Microsoft: €40 Million Fine

In part of a broader penalty against tech firms, Microsoft was fined €40 million for similar data violations.

6. H&M: €35 Million Fine

The clothing giant faced a €35 million fine in 2020 for excessive surveillance of employees, showcasing GDPR's reach beyond consumer data.

7. Target: €60 Million Fine

Target incurred a €60 million fine attributed to data breach violations, illustrating the penalties firms face in GDPR compliance.

8. TikTok: €750,000 Fine

In 2020, TikTok received a €750,000 fine for failing to protect children's data, highlighting the reach of the GDPR.

9. Instagram: €405 Million Fine

Instagram, owned by Facebook, faced a €405 million fine addressing privacy management issues involving young users.

10. YouTube: €170 Million Fine

In 2019, YouTube was fined €170 million for collecting data from children, showing serious implications for content platforms.