Vodafone España, S.A.U. – €90,000 Fine (Spain, 2021)
General GDPR enforcement action
This case relates to broader data protection obligations, not specifically to cookie or consent banner compliance. It is not included in cookie statistics or the Risk Calculator.
Vodafone España was fined EUR 90,000 for sending unwanted text messages about invoices to people who were no longer customers. This case is important because it shows companies must respect users' wishes to stop receiving communications.
What happened
Vodafone España sent unsolicited text messages about invoices to former customers despite requests to stop.
Who was affected
Former Vodafone España customers who received unwanted text messages about invoices were affected.
What the authority found
The Spanish authority fined Vodafone for not having a valid reason to process personal data, as required by GDPR.
Why this matters
This ruling emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' requests to stop receiving communications. Businesses should ensure they have a valid reason to contact people and promptly honor opt-out requests.
GDPR Articles Cited
The Spanish DPA (AEPD) has imposed a fine of EUR 150,000 on Vodafone España S.A.U.. Three data subjects had filed complaints with the AEPD against the controller. They complained about receiving unsolicited text messages from the controller informing them of new invoices, even though there was no longer a contractual relationship between them and the controller. Moreover, there were no outstanding invoices, as the amount to be paid was always zero euros. The data subjects had asked the controller several times to stop sending them text messages and to delete their data. The controller had explained that the messages had been sent due to a technical error and assured the data subjects that they would no longer receive such notifications in the future. However, the sending continued. The original fine of EUR 150,000 was reduced to EUR 90,000 due to immediate payment and admission of guilt.
Related Enforcement Actions (20)
Other enforcement actions involving Vodafone España, S.A.U. in ES
Fine
€90K
Details
Fine Date
13 April 2021
Authority
Agencia Española de Protección de Datos
Fine Amount
€90,000
Enforcement Tracker ID
ETid-636
About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. Vodafone España, S.A.U. - Spain (2021). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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