Meta Fined €91 Million for Storing Millions of Facebook and Instagram Passwords in Plaintext

In a major privacy violation, Meta has been fined €91 million by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) for storing millions of Facebook and Instagram passwords in plaintext. This violation, which came to light in 2019, exposed sensitive user data without appropriate encryption, putting millions of users at risk. 

The DPC’s investigation revealed that Meta had not taken adequate measures to secure user passwords, in breach of GDPR regulations.

This isn’t the first time Meta has faced backlash for security violations. In 2019, Meta admitted that over 600 million Facebook and Instagram passwords had been stored in plaintext, accessible by thousands of employees.

 At the time, Meta assured users that there was no evidence of misuse, but the incident raised serious concerns about the company’s internal data security practices. In 2018, Meta also faced scrutiny over the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal, further adding to its track record of data privacy lapses.

Industry Insights on Meta’s Security Violations

Cybersecurity experts are not surprised by this fine, stating that large-scale companies like Meta often face challenges balancing innovation with data security. “When companies of Meta’s size fail to implement basic security measures like encryption, it’s a major red flag,” says cybersecurity expert John Dorsey. “Encryption is a standard practice, and the failure to protect user data in this manner demonstrates a serious oversight.”

The €91 million fine is a stern reminder to global tech giants about the importance of adhering to GDPR guidelines, especially with the increasing frequency of cyber threats.

How to Protect Your Data

As these incidents highlight, users need to be proactive in safeguarding their data. Here are a few tips:

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Update passwords regularly: Ensure your passwords are strong and not reused across platforms.
• Monitor login activity: Regularly check for any suspicious login attempts.

Have you taken steps to secure your social media accounts?