Has Twitter Violated GDPR?
Twitter is under investigation by Irish privacy authorities for possibly violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
According to Fortune, Michael Veale – a privacy researcher from University College London – requested Twitter provide him with more information about the data they collect when users click an auto-shortened link to a tweet.
As he is entitled to under GDPR regulations, Veale asked the social media platform to hand over all the personal data they hold on him. (Under GDPR, European citizens have the right to know what a data companies collect on them and what they do with the data collected).
But Twitter refused?! The company claimed that providing the requested information was “disproportionate effort”.
Rightfully unsatisfied with the social network’s response, Veale complained to the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), who are opening an investigation.
“The DPC has initiated a formal statutory inquiry in respect of your complaint.”
“The inquiry will examine whether or not Twitter has discharged its obligations in connection with the subject matter of your complaint and determine whether or not any provisions of the GDPR or the [Irish Data Protection] Act have been contravened by Twitter in this respect.” – Part of the DCP’s response letter.
What’s Going to Happen?
Global companies like Twitter always talk about transparency but when requested to provide data they squirm and refuse. But with the world watching – it’ll be interesting to see if Twitter respond and how the investigation turns out.
GDPR fines can be up to 20 million pounds or 4% of annual turnover. In 2017, the social network’s annual revenue amounted to over 2.44 billion dollars. So, they could be looking at a hefty fine of millions.
Learn more about GDPR:
- – Getting Started with GDPR
- – Are You Ready for GDPR?
- – 6 Steps to Prepare Your Business for GDPR
- – What Does GDPR Mean for Marketing?
- – How ‘Legitimate Interests’ Changes Marketing
About the author:
Marie Harwood is a Digital Marketing Assistant at Different Gravy Digital, Hale, Cheshire.
Different Gravy Digital are a full service Digital Marketing Agency operating in the Hospitality & Leisure, Financial Services, Legal & Property sectors. Products and services range from; 3D & 360° Tours, Website Design & Build, Social Media, Video Production, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Content Creation, Email Marketing, Online Feedback / Review Systems and Paid Advertising (Google, Bing and Social Media).
Contact Details:
marie@differentgravydigital.co.uk
0161 706 0004
120a Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2UN