Ireland Will Investigate How Instagram Handles Data From Minors
The Irish data regulator has started two investigations into Facebook, focusing on how Instagram deals with the data of minors.
The investigations started last month, but the news is only now coming out via the British newspaper The Telegraph. DPC, the chief data regulator of the EU, confirms to Reuters that investigations have been started. This happened after complaints about the processing of data from minors.
The investigation itself is being conducted by the Irish regulator because that is where the European headquarters of Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, is located.
One of the claims is that Instagram would make “addresses” (possibly email addresses) and phone numbers of minors public. A complaint filed by David Stier, an American data scientist.
One study looks at whether Facebook can legally process that data and whether it applies appropriate protections and restrictions on Instagram. The other research is broader and examines whether Facebook complies with its obligations as a data controller.
This is about transparency around Instagram profiles and account settings and whether it complies with data legislation.