Apple Serves a Heavy Fine Over Targeted Ads
What happened? Regulators in France have slapped Apple with an 8‑million‑euro penalty for how it handled targeted advertising on the App Store.
Why the fine? The National Commission for Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) found that Apple didn’t secure user consent before displaying tailored ads on iPhones, a practice that kicked in with iOS 14.6.
Key Takeaways
- Fine amount: €8 million
- Issue: No prior user approval for targeted ads
- Regulatory body: CNIL (France)
- Timeline: Flags rose after iOS 14.6 rollout
In short: Apple’s ad strategy got a major budget hit, reminding tech giants that respecting privacy is not just good practice but also a financial necessity.
Apple Faces a 8‑Million‑Euro Fine in France
What Went Wrong
The French privacy watchdog CNIL found that Apple was using data collected from iPhone users to serve them personalized ads. It alleged that this violated Article 82 of the Data Protection Act. As a result, a hefty €8 million fine was levied on the Cupertino‑based company.
Apple’s Short‑Sided Response
- “Disappointed” with the ruling – Apple says it’s not thrilled and intends to appeal.
- Users “had a clear choice” – Apple insists that people can opt‑in or opt‑out of personalized ads.
- Only first‑party data – According to the company, personalized ads are based solely on data gathered directly from the user’s device.
Why the Picture Isn’t Simple
It turns out that the line between “first‑party data” and “personalized advertising” can blur. Even if a user’s data starts on iPhone, Apple’s advertising network may still use it in ways that CNIL views as too intrusive.
Next Steps
Apple will file an appeal. Meanwhile, consumers in France might keep their ad settings off until the appeal’s outcome. For now, the message is clear: privacy law matters—and Apple’s compliance strategy will be under close scrutiny.
