> "In 2016, the commissioner demanded Facebook stop collecting user data from WhatsApp. In that case, Facebook worked with Germany to iron things out. It does not appear that the social media platform is willing to cooperate this time."<p>This line to me sounds incredibly sinister. For a long time I've been fearmongering about the level of power held by these multinationals approaching those of small states. It sounds rather disconcerting when Facebook is engaging in diplomacy and brinksmanship with powerful nation states. Even worse, when they're <i>winning</i>.<p>It's at least encouraging that the European Union <i>is</i> concerned about Facebook's growing power and political influence. The incumbent American institution seems to have all-but ignored this growing problem. Of course there were lots of crocodile tears about "Russian collusion" and "Fortifying the Election", and so on. However through all that, there doesn't seem to have been much questioning of the <i>nature</i> of Big Tech's power, only the direction of its application.
Facebook would rather be booted out than remove data collection, because they (probably correctly) have determined that a service like theirs cannot exist without advertising unless a global ban is created.<p>If they are banned in Europe, the new service will be pay to use in order to generate revenue. In which case, nobody outside Europe would use it. In which case, barely anyone inside Europe would use it.<p>Facebook knows this, and likely Germany knows this. So, they're really deciding whether they want Facebook or any Facebook like site to exist in Germany. I would be very surprised if Facebook lost this battle.<p>If you think I'm incorrect, just realize that the only way china was able to get their citizens off of Facebook was to block them entirely. And even then, nobody outside china cares to use their social media platforms.
How desperate is Facebook for this data that they are willing to ignore governments? Is their business not viable with this information? If it is then maybe Andrew Yang is right and we should be paid for this data too
I am PANICKING this standoff will be abused by the EU to implement union-wide China-style internet filters „for the good of the citizens“.<p>And from then on it will be a slippery slope to add more and more websites to the banlist.
Ban for FB would be a joy ! But users need to have alternative and none really exists.<p>But let's start with theory: is there really need for global reach social net site ? You just need family and friends. But that escalates quick... Also just find and add in same portal is a basic feature. So how to split FB ?
Is it possible to add a sizable fine solely for ignoring the government ban - independent of what a court would say regarding the matter of the ban, just for the violation of a ban itself?<p>Otherwise there is a plausible strategy to drag things in courts for long time meanwhile continuing the - possible - violations as stated by the government.
I have to admit I've been waiting for this ever since GDPR came into force.<p>Facebook can't back down. Unlike other companies, who might be able to adjust their business practices, however unwillingly, into compliance, for Facebook, violating their users' privacy <i>is</i> their business model. Everything. The whole enchilada.<p>Facebook's business model is illegal.<p>This will be an epic struggle...popcorn ready.
Good for Facebook. It is also a high time American government stepped up its game to protect American company's interest from overzealous and corrupt governments around the world.
Facebook already ignores the GDPR with total impunity (<a href="https://ruben.verborgh.org/facebook/" rel="nofollow">https://ruben.verborgh.org/facebook/</a>) so not surprised at all.