The Federal Association for Freight Transport, Logistics and Waste Disposal (BGL) supports an initiative of its cooperation partner Privacy Reclaim, which targets the data collection by the US company Meta. The association points to a solution that enables Facebook and Instagram users to easily assert their damages claims.
Court decisions on data protection
The background to the initiative is numerous rulings by German courts that, in recent months, have found Meta's violations of the European General Data Protection Regulation. The focus is on the use of so-called “Meta-Business-Tools.” These
transmit information about which users visit a website or app and at what time. In the courts' view, there is no legal basis for this data processing. Therefore, the affected parties have a claim for damages.
Immediate compensation for users
Privacy Reclaim offers, according to the information provided, a solution for individuals who do not wish to pursue their claims themselves. Those who assign their rights to the company receive in return an immediate payment of 50 euros. Privacy Reclaim subsequently enforces the claims against Meta. The company is
legally advised by the law firm Hausfeld Rechtsanwälte.
“Participation is risk-free and takes only a few minutes,” the statement says.
Eligible are all adults residing in Germany who use the free version of Facebook or Instagram and whose account was created before November 13, 2024. Accounts that are used purely commercially or corporate accounts are not considered. Another prerequisite is the regular use of websites or apps from other providers.
Importance for the transport and logistics sector
The BGL sees in the initiative an important opportunity for its affiliated
member companies and their employees in the transport and logistics sector to assert their claims and to defend themselves against unlawful data processing.
“It is an important way to obtain fair compensation,” says the association.
For the companies themselves, the initiative does not entail any additional organizational obligations. Rather, it can provide a reason for workforces to critically examine their handling of social media, also from the data-protection perspective. Especially in an industry where many employees use Facebook and Instagram privately, the possibility of direct compensation is likely to
