Meta (Facebook) Under Fire Again: Why the Tech Giant Faces a New Wave of Privacy Lawsuits

6 August 2025

Paul Francis

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Once again, Meta is in the spotlight, and not for the reasons it might hope. This time, it finds itself under renewed legal and regulatory scrutiny across both the UK and United States, as fresh allegations emerge about its continued tracking of user data without full consent. Despite previous fines and public outcry, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp is facing a storm that may be more difficult to weather.

New Legal Pressure in the United States

In the US, Meta is currently facing multiple class action lawsuits, many of which revolve around privacy breaches, exploitative platform design, and the targeting of young users.

One of the most prominent ongoing cases was filed in 2023 by dozens of US states. The lawsuit accuses Meta of deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that exploit young users' psychological vulnerabilities, encouraging addictive use of the platforms. The company is alleged to have known about the harm these features could cause, particularly to teenage mental health, but did little to change the design.

Another class action is gaining traction over the unauthorised tracking of user behaviour on third-party websites. This includes the alleged misuse of tracking pixels to collect data even when users are not logged into Meta’s platforms. Users claim they were unaware that their health, financial, or browsing information was being collected in the background.

These lawsuits follow in the wake of a $725 million settlement Meta agreed to pay in 2022 over the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The current cases suggest that regulatory and legal appetite for holding Big Tech accountable is only increasing.

Investigations and Pressure in the UK

Facebook app icon with a red notification badge showing "3" on a smartphone screen. Adjacent icons partially visible.

Across the Atlantic, Meta is facing scrutiny from the UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Though details of ongoing investigations remain confidential, the ICO has expressed growing concern about the use of data tracking in digital advertising. The regulator is reportedly investigating whether Meta’s ad targeting systems and platform architecture violate UK privacy laws, especially in light of recent Online Safety Act provisions.

In addition, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched probes into how Meta collects and uses consumer data, particularly around its growing integration with virtual and augmented reality services.

The UK’s appetite for action follows similar moves in the European Union. In 2023, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission issued Meta with a €1.2 billion fine for unlawful data transfers to the United States, the largest GDPR-related fine ever issued.

A Pattern of Privacy Failures

Meta’s defenders often argue that the company is simply evolving in a fast-moving tech environment. However, critics point to a repeated pattern of behaviour that undermines public trust.

From Cambridge Analytica to hidden tracking pixels and now algorithms that allegedly harm young people, Meta’s record on user data is far from spotless. Regulators and campaigners say this pattern suggests systemic issues rather than one-off mistakes.

James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, said:"Tech giants like Meta have failed to put the wellbeing of users first. We have seen this time and again. Fines may not be enough to drive real change."

What Could This Mean for Meta?

The potential financial impact of these actions could be considerable. Under GDPR, fines can reach up to 4 percent of global turnover. With Meta reporting revenue of around $135 billion in 2024, this could mean penalties in the multi-billion range.

Beyond the fines, Meta faces restrictions on how it can collect and use data. Some legal experts believe upcoming rulings may force the company to overhaul its ad systems entirely, particularly those built around inferred personal data and behavioural tracking.

There is also reputational risk. Consumers, particularly younger ones, are increasingly conscious of how their data is handled. With rival platforms emerging and concerns around AI-generated content on the rise, Meta’s grip on digital culture may be slipping.

Why It Matters to Everyone

These legal actions may feel distant from everyday life, but they reflect a deeper issue about how much control individuals have over their digital lives. Most users never read the fine print or understand the scope of the data being collected. Meta’s platforms remain free to use, but the cost is increasingly paid in privacy.

There is also a broader societal question at play. If companies continue to operate in a way that values data extraction over transparency, can regulation ever catch up? Or are we simply witnessing the beginning of a new kind of digital economy, one where personal information is the price of entry?

A Familiar Story with Higher Stakes

Whether this new wave of lawsuits and investigations leads to genuine change is yet to be seen. Meta has the resources to fight prolonged legal battles, and history has shown the company is rarely forced into long-term reform.

But there is a sense that the tide is turning. Public sentiment is shifting, and regulators appear more coordinated than ever. If Meta is once again under fire for failing to respect data boundaries, this time it may find the consequences harder to brush off.

Sources and Further Reading

Current Most Read

WrestleMania 41: A Night of Glory, Grievances, and Ghosts of the Great One

Paul Francis
Apr 23
4 min read

Cheers and Chants, Boos and Tweets: The Verdict is In

WrestleMania 41 came, saw, and - depending on who you ask - either conquered expectations or crumbled beneath the weight of its own spectacle.

Crowd fills a brightly lit arena for WrestleMania. Large stage and ring centered, vibrant colors, excitement in the air. — Image of Wresltemania 32 by Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique

Fans around the world were quick to voice their thoughts, and they weren't shy about it. Social media was ablaze the moment the lights dimmed in Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium. From historic highs like John Cena’s record-breaking win to eyebrow-raising absences (we're looking at you, Rock), the WWE Universe had plenty to celebrate - and criticise.

Some called it the most emotionally charged 'Mania in years, others dubbed it overbooked chaos wrapped in celebrity fluff. Either way, WrestleMania did what it always does: dominate the cultural conversation.

What Is WrestleMania, Anyway?

Wrestler Cody in ornate gold and blue costume kneels, smiling with bright lights behind. Energetic mood, gold eagle shoulder decoration. — Photo by Diego Serrano

WrestleMania isn’t just a wrestling event - it’s the wrestling event. Dubbed the “Grandest Stage of Them All,” it’s WWE’s annual Super Bowl, Oscars, and rock concert rolled into one.

Since its debut in 1985, WrestleMania has been the launchpad for legends, dream matches, and moments that define eras. Who can forget Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III? Or Shawn Michaels' emotional farewell at XXVI? More recently, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair made history in 2021, lit up the world with representation and power.

In essence, WrestleMania is where the myths of pro wrestling are born.

WrestleMania 41: The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing

The Good?

John Cena’s 17th World Championship had the crowd exploding. History was made, and even sceptics had to admit - it was a goosebumps moment.
CM Punk’s return to the WrestleMania main event, complete with tears backstage and emotional callbacks, reminded fans why he’s one of the most compelling figures in wrestling.
Dominik Mysterio unexpectedly won fans over with his Intercontinental Title victory - perhaps turning a new page with the WWE Universe.
And perhaps the biggest surprise of all: TNA World Champion Joe Hendry making his WrestleMania debut against Randy Orton. While the match was relatively short, it became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The crowd sang Hendry’s entrance theme in full twice, and the "Say His Name and He Appears" catchphrase rang through the stadium like a battle cry. Hendry lost the match to Orton, but it hardly mattered. In that moment, he arrived. The crossover moment was unexpected, refreshing, and hinted at WWE’s increasingly open door to the wider wrestling world.

The Bad?

Matches like Jey Uso vs. Gunther felt rushed and disjointed, leaving fans scratching their heads.
Becky Lynch’s surprise tag title win (replacing Bayley last-minute) drew ire from fans who saw it as behind-the-scenes politicking.
Travis Scott’s heavy involvement in the event’s climax had some fans wondering if the show had veered too far into pop culture stunt casting.

But all of this paled in comparison to the elephant in the ring...

Where Was The Rock?

Heading into WrestleMania 41, the anticipation of a clash-or at least an appearance-from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had been built up for months. From his involvement in earlier segments, to backstage teases, to his apparent alignment with The Bloodline… fans were ready. The table was set.

Then he didn’t show.

The reaction? Volcanic.

On Twitter (now "X"), #WhereIsTheRock trended before the show even ended. Fans speculated everything from creative disputes to last-minute schedule conflicts. Some believed The Rock opted out to allow Cena the spotlight, as later confirmed in interviews, but that explanation didn’t sit well with many who had bought into the storylines building to a showdown.

More than just a missed cameo, The Rock’s absence left a gaping hole in the narrative. Story arcs were left dangling, tensions unresolved. And while Cena’s record-breaking moment was monumental, a large segment of the audience couldn’t shake the feeling of what could have been.

Fan Voices: Mixed But Passionate

“Cena breaking Flair’s record was incredible. But The Rock going ghost? It’s like watching Avengers: Endgame without Iron Man.” — @HeelTurnTim

“WrestleMania is about moments, and this one had a few. But it also had a few missed ones that sting more than they should.” — Reddit user ‘SuplexSavage’

“Punk crying backstage, Cena rewriting history… yeah, I’ll remember this one for a while. Just wish The Rock hadn’t vanished.” — @WrestleMama

“Joe Hendry at WrestleMania singing with the crowd? I didn’t have that on my 2025 bingo card. TNA just got a whole lot more eyes on them.” — @VoiceOfKayfabe

Final Bell: Legacy in the Balance

WrestleMania 41 will be remembered - no question about it. Whether as a triumphant milestone or a missed opportunity depends on where you were sitting, and maybe who your favourite is.

It was a reminder that pro wrestling isn’t just about who wins the match, but who shows up at all.

And next year? Well, let’s just say fans will be watching the horizon for one very famous eyebrow to finally raise again.