The Italian regulator justifies that users were not given clear information about the collection and use of their data for commercial purposes when they signed up for Instagram.

At the same time, the committee notes when "Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended, users were not provided with useful information on how to appeal this decision".

But Meta disagrees with the Italian regulator's decision.

"We disagree with the decision made by the AGCM and are assessing what possible steps we can take. We have already made changes for Italian users that address the concerns cited by the AGCM from August 2023. We have made it even clearer how we use data to show personalized ads on Instagram and provided users with additional information and appeal options if their account has been suspended", Meta said.

• On November 2 last year, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) decided to extend Norway's ban on targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram to all EU countries and the European Economic Area.