Apple hit with $8.5 million fine in France for targeted App Store ads

Apple is the second tech giant to face a fine for personalized ads, as France’s CNIL imposed an €8 million penalty on Apple for allegedly collecting identifying data from App Store visitors without their permission, enabling targeted ads. According to officials, Apple was profiting from violations of data protection laws.

Ad Targeting Controversy

Users could disable ad targeting, but it was enabled by default and difficult to turn off without navigating through multiple menu levels, making it nearly impossible for users to give proper consent. Apple has since made changes to its practices, and CNIL conducted checks to ensure compliance with data rules. The investigation by France began in March 2021.

Apple’s Response

Apple expressed disappointment with the decision and plans to appeal, arguing that its Search Ads system provides more choice than any rival platform when it comes to personalized ads. The company stated that it does not track users across third-party apps or websites, using only first-party data for ad personalization. Despite previous fines from French regulators, Apple remains under scrutiny, especially regarding its anti-tracking measures in iOS 14.

Update: Apple’s Statement

In response to the fine, Apple emphasized its commitment to user privacy and the importance of giving users control over their data sharing. The company stands by its belief that privacy is a fundamental human right and that users should always have the final say on sharing their data. Apple Search Ads, according to the statement, offers users a clear choice regarding personalized ads and does not track users across third-party platforms.