Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has become the most heavily fined social media company under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), according to a new report by cybersecurity firm Surfshark. The report reveals that five of the top social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), have collectively paid €3.9 billion in fines for GDPR violations. Meta’s platforms alone account for a staggering €2.7 billion of that total, primarily due to misuse of personal data, including that of children. Instagram was hit with a €405 million fine in 2022 after it was found that business accounts created by children were set to public by default, exposing sensitive information without proper consent. Facebook followed with a €251 million penalty in late 2024 after a data breach compromised the personal information of minors. TikTok has also faced intense scrutiny, accumulating €890 million in fines related to child data misuse and data transfer violations. These include failing to provide a clear privacy policy in Dutch, allowing underage users’ accounts to be public by default, and transferring European user data to China without adequate safeguards. LinkedIn and X have also been fined €310 million and €450,000 respectively, with X currently under investigation for potential GDPR breaches related to AI data processing. Felix Mikolasch, a data protection lawyer at privacy advocacy group NOYB, noted that GDPR enforcement remains inconsistent across Europe. “The current enforcement efforts by data protection authorities are rather reactive, sometimes they are non-existent at all,” he said. One of the most concerning findings is that one-third of all GDPR fines against social media platforms relate to the mishandling of children’s data, reflecting regulators’ growing focus on protecting young users online. While these global platforms operate widely in Nigeria, the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has yet to impose major fines. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, explained that the Commission favors remediation over penalties. “Usually, when we investigate and find a breach, if they are ready to comply with the law, what is the point of making noise? It’s only when an organization is unwilling to comply that we impose sanctions,” he said. He also emphasized balancing enforcement with maintaining a healthy investment climate.
Speed Darlington apologises after viral video controversy – “I needed controversy to promote my song”
Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has issued a public apology after a viral video in which he claimed to have slept with a 15-year-old girl sparked widespread outrage on social media. The controversial footage, which quickly drew condemnation and calls for legal action, was later revealed by the artist to be a publicity stunt aimed at promoting his latest music release. In a follow-up video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Speed Darlington addressed the backlash, saying, “All my followers pissed off about the video I recorded in which I spoke about me sleeping with a 15-year-old, I am an artist. I need controversy to eat. If you are not trending, you are not getting booked. Simple! Nobody is booking something that is not trending.” He further explained that his new song contains explicit content consistent with his genre and that the provocative video was meant to draw attention to it. “When I dropped my song, I needed f#ck contents to push it. That is what I was doing. Don’t give it more than it is supposed to have. If any of you are offended, it’s alright. Apologies,” he added. The original video, delivered in Igbo and since removed from his social media pages, detailed an alleged encounter with a teenage girl, which many found disturbing and unacceptable. The backlash intensified with hashtags like #ArrestSpeedDarlington and #ProtectOurGirls trending on Twitter, as rights groups and members of the public condemned the use of child abuse as a marketing tactic. Authorities including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reportedly launched investigations into the matter, though no official statement on charges or arrests had been made at the time of reporting. Speed Darlington’s history of controversial behavior has further fueled public concern. In 2022, he was filmed holding a knife while accusing women of harassment, and in 2023, he publicly declared his intention to seek a second girlfriend aged between 16 and 20 during an Instagram live session. These incidents have contributed to a pattern of provocative antics that many critics say undermine ethical standards in the entertainment industry. Despite his comedic and erratic public persona, child rights advocates have condemned the singer’s actions, stressing that exploiting sensitive issues like child abuse for publicity is dangerous and unacceptable. The controversy raises broader questions about accountability and responsible influence in the age of viral content. As the story continues to unfold, fans, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies are watching closely to see how the situation will be resolved. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of using shock value to gain attention in a highly competitive entertainment landscape.
Facebook begins deletion of old live videos, allows users 90 days to save content
Social media giant Facebook has begun removing old live videos from its platform following a policy change by its parent company, Meta. The new rule, which took effect on February 19, 2025, enforces a 30-day lifespan on all live broadcasts before automatic deletion. As part of this update, previously archived live videos, once stored indefinitely, are also being removed. The process is occurring in phases, with affected users receiving notifications via email and in-app alerts. Upon notification, users have 90 days to download or transfer their videos before they are permanently deleted. How Users Can Save Their Live Videos To prevent loss of valuable content, Facebook has provided several options: Downloading Videos Individually Users can manually download videos from their Facebook profile, Page, or Meta Business Suite. Downloading Multiple Videos in Bulk Using the Activity Log, users can select “Your live videos,” specify a date range, and create a file for bulk downloading. Transferring Videos to Cloud Storage Content can be exported to Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud storage services for safekeeping. Converting Videos into Reels Users can clip key moments and turn them into permanent Reels, which remain on their profile indefinitely. Meta’s Six-Month Extension Option For users needing extra time, Meta has introduced a one-time six-month extension. To activate it: Meta explains that these changes align Facebook’s storage policies with industry standards, ensuring a better live video experience. Users are advised to take prompt action to secure their content before the deletion process concludes in the coming months.