Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing a significant legal challenge in Spain. A Madrid court has scheduled a trial for October 2025, following a lawsuit filed by more than 80 Spanish media companies. The lawsuit, which amounts to 551 million euros ($582 million), accuses Meta of unfair competition by allegedly violating EU data protection rules.

The Spanish media association AMI, representing 87 media firms including prominent newspapers like El Pais and ABC, claims that Meta's use of personal data from its platforms gives it an unfair advantage in the advertising market. The association argues that Meta's practices from 2018 to 2023 involved "massive" and "systematic" breaches of EU regulations, allowing it to offer personalized ads without proper user consent.

Meta has denied these allegations, with its lawyer stating that the company did not violate EU rules or gain any competitive advantage. The trial is set for October 1 and 2, 2025, and will involve Meta's European headquarters in Ireland.

In addition to the lawsuit by AMI, Spanish TV and radio broadcasters have filed a separate lawsuit against Meta, seeking 160 million euros in damages for similar reasons. These legal actions reflect ongoing tensions between traditional media companies and tech giants over content usage and advertising practices.

The outcome of these lawsuits could have significant implications for Meta's operations in Europe, especially as the company has been scaling back its promotion of news content in various markets. This case is part of a broader trend where legacy media are challenging tech companies in courts to ensure fair compensation for content usage.