币界网报道:Meta faces potential fines in the EU as regulators challenge its "pay or consent" data privacy model. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued a binding decision stating that Meta's approach—requiring users to either pay for ad-free service or consent to personalized ads—does not comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The ruling, which follows complaints from privacy advocates, asserts that Meta fails to provide a genuine choice, as users cannot opt out of data processing without paying. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), Meta's lead EU regulator, must now enforce this decision within two weeks, potentially leading to corrective measures or fines. Meta defends its model, arguing it aligns with GDPR by offering a free, ad-supported service alongside a paid alternative. However, critics argue the model coerces consent through financial pressure, undermining GDPR's requirement for freely given consent. This decision could set a precedent for other tech giants using similar subscription-based privacy models. The outcome may reshape how platforms monetize user data in the EU, where privacy laws are among the strictest globally. Meta's stock dipped slightly following the news, reflecting investor concerns over regulatory risks. The company has faced multiple GDPR violations in recent years, totaling over €2.5 billion in fines. Analysts suggest Meta may need to redesign its data practices or face further penalties, as EU authorities intensify scrutiny of big tech's compliance with privacy rules.