Google, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp accused of breaking GDPR laws

Complaints have been filed against Facebook, Google, Instagram and WhatsApp within hours of the new GDPR data protection law taking effect. The companies are accused of forcing users to consent to targeted advertising to use the services. Privacy-advocacy group Noyb.eu said the four companies are forcing people to adopt a "take it or leave it" approach with regard to privacy - essentially demanding that users submit to intrusive terms of service. The Noyb group is run by Austrian data privacy activist Max Schrems. "Tons of 'consent boxes' popped up online or in applications, often combined with a threat, that the service cannot longer be used if user[s] do not consent," his group said in a statement. The

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new EU law that changes how personal data can be collected and used

. Even companies based outside the EU must follow the new rules if offering their services in the EU.