Spanish Government Summons Meta Over Alleged AI-Driven Mass Surveillance
The Spanish Government announced an investigation into Meta for allegedly operating a concealed tracking system that monitored web activity of Android device users and linked it to their Facebook and Instagram identities, reportedly violating user privacy even when using incognito mode or VPN. Spanish President Pedro Sánchez stated the company must answer before Parliament.
What happened
Researchers from Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium discovered that Meta allegedly operated a hidden tracking mechanism for nearly a year that monitored web activity of Android device users.
The system collected data about pages visited in the browser and linked this information to user identities on Facebook and Instagram, including when users employed incognito mode or a VPN.
Reported impact
The alleged tracking violated the privacy of millions of Meta users by systematically and secretly monitoring their web activity across devices.
Meta faces collective lawsuits in Germany, Canada and the United States related to this practice.
Index analysis
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez announced on 18 November 2025 that his government will push for an exhaustive investigation into Meta and that the Spanish Parliament will summon the company's executives.
The Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation Commission of Congress will investigate whether the company systematically and massively violated citizen rights and freedoms.
Governance controls
The Spanish government stated it intends to deploy a broad set of measures in the coming months to address digital threats including misinformation campaigns, protection of minors, combating hate speech and defending privacy.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.