This exploitation of user data allows Meta to dominate advertising investments, which threatens the financial stability of traditional media organizations.

Law firms Scott+Scott and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier are leading the legal representation for the French media firms in this case.

The plaintiffs contend that Meta has collected personal data without user consent, violating the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

While the Le Monde Group is not part of the lawsuit, it has expressed intentions to seek compensation if damages are established.

More than 200 French media outlets, including major players like TF1, France Télévisions, and Le Figaro, have initiated a lawsuit against Meta, alleging illegal practices in online advertising.

The plaintiffs represent a diverse range of media, including private and public broadcasters, national and regional newspapers, and even the video platform Dailymotion.

Meta has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.

This lawsuit underscores the ongoing tensions between media organizations and tech giants over data privacy and advertising revenue.

The outcome of this case could significantly affect future interactions between digital platforms and media companies.

This legal action occurs within a broader context of heightened scrutiny and regulation of large tech companies in Europe, particularly concerning antitrust issues.

Marc Foeier, head of Le Figaro, emphasized that compliance with the law should not put them at a competitive disadvantage, asserting that competition must adhere to established rules.

Since the GDPR's implementation in 2018, companies are mandated to obtain explicit consent from users before processing their personal data.