BeReal, once a shining star in the social media landscape, is now facing backlash over its data consent practices. The Austrian advocacy group Noyb has filed a complaint accusing the platform of violating GDPR by pressuring users into consenting to data sharing. The complaint, lodged with the French data protection authority (CNIL), centers on BeReal’s daily pop-up banner that appears when users are asked to agree to data usage for personalized advertising.
Pressure Tactics Under Scrutiny Noyb’s complaint highlights a troubling practice where users who reject the banner are continuously bombarded with it every time they access the app. However, those who accept the terms see the banner disappear. Noyb argues that this creates an unfair situation where users feel coerced into consenting to data tracking to avoid the daily annoyance of the banner reappearing. According to Noyb, this violates Article 4(11) of the GDPR, which specifies that consent must be given freely. “BeReal’s daily attempt to pressure its users into accepting the tracking for personalized advertising has a significant impact on user behavior,” the complaint states. “Consent given under these circumstances is not freely given.”
GDPR Guidelines on Deceptive Practices The advocacy group also points to guidelines set by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), which were introduced in 2023. These guidelines warn against “deceptive design patterns,” where platforms repeatedly prompt users to share more personal data or consent to further uses of their information. The EDPB specifically notes that such tactics can wear users down, leading them to give in simply to avoid the constant interruptions. Noyb has called on CNIL to take action against BeReal, urging a fine and a mandate to bring the platform into compliance with European data protection laws. The French company Voodoo, which acquired BeReal in June, has not yet responded to the allegations.
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