Data Subject versus Social Media Platform Operator – Court Ruling (Germany, 2025)
A German court ruled that a social media platform tracked users on other websites without their permission, even after they rejected cookies. This matters because it shows that companies must respect users' choices about their data. The ruling highlights the importance of clear consent for tracking practices.
What happened
The court found that the platform's Business Tools tracked users through third-party sites without consent and continued tracking even after users rejected cookies.
Who was affected
Website visitors whose browsing behavior was tracked by the platform's tools on third-party sites.
What the authority found
The court decided that the platform lacked a valid legal basis for processing personal data, violating GDPR's requirements for consent and transparency.
Why this matters
This ruling sets a precedent that companies must ensure they have proper consent for tracking users. Website operators should review their cookie policies and consent mechanisms to avoid similar issues.
GDPR Articles Cited
View original scraped data
Original data from scraper before AI verification against source document.
The social media platform was accused of tracking users through embedded Business Tools without consent, violating cookie consent requirements.
Outcome
Court Ruling
A ruling by a national court on a data-protection matter.
Violations (5)
Non-essential cookies (tracking, advertising) are placed on the user's device before obtaining valid consent.
Art. 6(1) GDPR
Tracking cookies remain active or are re-placed even after the user explicitly rejects them.
Art. 6(1) GDPR
Third-party tracking cookies or scripts are loaded without obtaining prior user consent.
Art. 13, 14 GDPR
The cookie banner or cookie policy provides vague, incomplete, or unclear information about what cookies are used and why.
Art. 12, 13 GDPR
The cookie banner uses misleading language to trick or pressure users into accepting cookies (dark patterns).
Art. 7 GDPR
Related Cases (0)
No other cases found for Data Subject versus Social Media Platform Operator in DE
This is the only recorded case for this entity in this jurisdiction.
Similar Cases
Enforcement actions with similar violations
Details
Ruling Date
4 July 2025
Authority
DPA LGLeipzig
About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. Data Subject versus Social Media Platform Operator - Germany (2025). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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