Meta Condemned to Pay 479 Million Euros to Spanish Media
Recently, the Commercial Court No. 15 of Madrid issued a ruling against Meta, ordering the company to pay 479 million euros to 87 media and news agencies associated with the Information Media Association. This landmark decision stems from allegations that Meta gained an unfair competitive advantage through the illicit use of personal data on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, for “behavioral advertising.” The ruling, finalized on November 19, 2025, is not yet conclusive, as Meta has the option to appeal.
Background of the Case
The legal issues surrounding this case trace back to May 2018, coinciding with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. Following the regulation’s enactment, Meta altered its approach to processing user data, shifting from user consent to a contractual necessity. This controversial change prompted the News Media Association to file a lawsuit on December 1, 2023, alleging unfair competition. The preliminary hearing took place on November 27, 2024, followed by oral arguments on October 1 and 2, 2025. Initially, the media organization’s claim sought compensatory damages of around 551 million euros.
Understanding the Legal Framework
Significantly, the ruling focuses on how personal data was obtained and processed, rather than the advertising practices themselves. The court identified that the processing lacked a valid legal basis under the GDPR since the contractual model does not substitute informed consent. This finding triggered Article 15.1 of the Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits gaining market advantages through regulatory violations.
The Financial Implications
During the hearing, it was noted that Meta Ireland failed to submit its operational accounts in Spain when requested. Because of this omission, the judge shifted the burden of proof to the company, accepting the financial data presented by the plaintiff. Consequently, the court estimated that Meta’s advertising business in Spain generated over 5.281 billion euros between May 25, 2018, and August 1, 2023.
Calculating the Compensation
To determine the compensation amount, the court relied on a competition study from the CNMC regarding the online advertising sector in Spain. By analyzing market shares from the specified time frame, the ruling established that the income obtained by Meta through activities contrary to the GDPR should be redistributed among its competitors. The judgment concluded that the digital press was likely to have experienced lost profits due to Meta’s unfair practices.
The Road Ahead
This ruling does not conclude the legal battle; the case can be appealed, with the Provincial Court poised to assess the arguments from both parties. The ongoing proceedings highlight the critical need for discussions around privacy, data exploitation, and fair competition in the digital marketplace. As of now, Meta has not publicly commented on the verdict, and formal remarks are pending.
Images | Mark Zuckerberg | Dima Solomin