Skip to Content
Tech policy

Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t like the EU’s strict new data rules enough to use them everywhere

Facebook’s CEO says the firm will use the laws as a form of spiritual guidance outside of Europe.

Backstory: The EU has a strict new General Data Protection Regulation going into effect next month, which includes bold policies on transparency, consent, and data handling. Facebook will be forced to comply with the rules inside Europe. Some people think similar rules should be used in America.

The news:  Speaking to Reuters, Mark Zuckerberg said that his company will use some parts of those rules to create new, worldwide data policies. He added that he’s “still nailing down details on this,” but “it should directionally be, in spirit, the whole thing.”

Why it matters: Talk of a “directional spirit” probably won’t do all that much to appease critics, including lawmakers, who are calling for firmer regulation in the wake of Facebook’s huge data scandal—the fallout from which is already bringing about a flurry of lawsuits.

What Zuck’s really thinking: It’s actually far from clear what kinds of rules should be applied to Facebook and its data handling. The EU’s are strict and formal, but Zuck has already said that “guidelines are much better than dictating specific processes.” No kidding, Mark.

Deep Dive

Tech policy

How the Supreme Court ruling on Section 230 could end Reddit as we know it

As tech companies scramble in anticipation of a major ruling, some experts say community moderation online could be on the chopping block.

The internet is about to get a lot safer

Europe's big tech bill is coming to fruition. Here's what you need to know.

Hyper-realistic beauty filters are here to stay

A new filter on TikTok has the internet up in arms. It's an important debate for anyone who cares about the future of social media.

When my dad was sick, I started Googling grief. Then I couldn’t escape it.

I’ve spent months trying to untrain the algorithms that were relentlessly serving me content on loss.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.