Data privacy has become one of the greatest challenges for companies operating in digital environments. In its new guide, Usercentrics breaks down the privacy policies of major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Stripe, and ChatGPT. The aim is to help companies understand what information is collected, how it is used, and what legal obligations they must fulfill in each case.
This guide, led by Celestine Bahr, Legal Director at Usercentrics, focuses on the importance of aligning business practices with global regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR in Europe, the CCPA in California, or the LGPD in Brazil, in addition to new regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In the case of Facebook, the guide details that using this platform entails sharing audience personal data with Meta. This occurs especially when companies use tools such as the Facebook Pixel or the Conversions API, which transmit information about browsing, purchases, or interactions from websites and apps to Meta’s servers.
According to Usercentrics, the Facebook privacy policy has a direct impact on the obligations that any business has under data protection laws. The guide highlights that Facebook collects several types of information: from data provided by users themselves (such as email addresses or shipping details), to activity within the platform (clicks, likes, or interactions), as well as device technical data including location, IP address, or battery level.
The use of cookies and tracking technologies by Meta also deserves special attention. These tools can collect data even from individuals who do not have a Facebook account, which creates the need to properly manage user consent in regions governed by strict regulations.
The guide recalls that in addition to advertising personalization, Meta uses the information to improve products, ensure security, and provide advanced analytics to businesses. However, it also shares data with third parties such as advertisers, service providers, or academic researchers, making total transparency indispensable in every company’s privacy policy.
One of the key points of the Usercentrics analysis is that regulatory complexity varies by region. In the European Union, for instance, the DMA requires Meta to obtain explicit consent before combining data from different platforms. In the United States, on the other hand, many states apply an opt-out model, where users have the right to exclude themselves, and companies are required to provide mechanisms such as the “Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information” button.
The guide also highlights the importance of applying principles such as data minimization (collect only the information that is necessary) and purpose limitation (use data solely for the purpose that was communicated to the user).
In addition, it recalls that companies are responsible for the security of data throughout its entire lifecycle, even after it has been shared with Meta or other platforms. Therefore, implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures is a mandatory legal requirement.
A particularly sensitive aspect is the processing of data from minors. Meta restricts advertising targeting for users under 18 and requires compliance with specific regulations such as COPPA in the United States or parental consent requirements in the EU.
The Usercentrics guide is not limited to Meta. It also analyzes the policies of Instagram and TikTok, platforms where the collection of behavioral and device data poses similar challenges.
In the case of Stripe, the need to comply with financial and payment regulations is emphasized, as the platform processes highly sensitive information such as bank and card data.
Finally, it dedicates a section to ChatGPT and OpenAI services, highlighting that companies integrating such solutions must clearly explain how the data shared in these interactions is processed and stored.
The underlying message of the guide is clear: privacy is not merely a legal obligation, but also a pillar of trust and reputation. According to data cited in the guide, 71% of consumers are increasingly protective of their personal information, so any lack of transparency can result in distrust and damage to brand image.
For this reason, Usercentrics recommends that companies regularly review and update their privacy policies, adjust their consent banners, and be completely transparent with users about the use of third-party tools.
If you wish to explore this subject in greater detail and learn about the implications of each platform, we recommend you read the complete Usercentrics guide. This is a practical and up-to-date resource to ensure your business is prepared to face the challenges of privacy in the digital economy.
This article contains affiliate links from Usercentrics. Using them is an easy way to help us continue growing.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Δ