The Bundeskartellamt has finalized its Facebook proceeding, resulting in a set of measures that significantly enhance users' options in managing their data on the platform. This follows a series of legal battles and negotiations between Meta (formerly Facebook) and the Bundeskartellamt.

Before the proceeding's conclusion, Facebook required users to consent to the collection and linking of their data from various sources, including Instagram and third-party websites. The Bundeskartellamt intervened, mandating that data combination must be based on distinct user consent, not a condition for using the platform.

Meta has implemented measures such as the Accounts Centre, cookie settings, and exceptions for Facebook Login to allow users greater control over data sharing between services. These tools aim to prevent the unwanted combination of personal data from different sources.

The Bundeskartellamt's decision does not eliminate all competition law concerns, but the measures taken by Meta were deemed sufficient for the authority to close the case. Other regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, now have tools to address data privacy issues related to data combination by gatekeepers like Meta.