Information about objections and how you can object on Meta Products
You can object to the processing of your information where Meta relies on certain legal bases, including legitimate interests.
What is an objection?
An objection is a request for Meta to stop processing your personal data for a specific purpose on Meta Products. For example: “I want you to stop using my personal data for measurement and analytics purposes.”
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), if you’re in the EU or the UK, you have the right to object at any time to certain types of processing of your personal information. This happens when the legal basis for that processing is:
- The legitimate interests of Meta or of a third party; or
- Tasks carried out in the public interest.
This means that you can object to Meta using your information for a specific purpose in the above circumstances. You can learn about Meta's legal basis for processing your information in the Meta Privacy Policy under the section “Legal basis information”, including:
- Why and how we process your information;
- The instances where the processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (or that of a third party);
- The information categories we use for each processing purpose; and
- Where a task is carried out in the public interest.
You can also object at any time to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes.
An objection is a distinct right under GDPR. An objection is not:
- A request to “delete” your personal information from Meta.
- A request to withdraw consent.
- A request to stop processing a particular piece of information. For example, “I want you to stop using my name” would not be considered an objection.
Learn more about your other rights and how to exercise them in the Meta Privacy Policy.
How can I submit an objection?
You can submit an objection request by using the Privacy Rights Request channel. To get started, select the product that you would like to submit an objection about. Then select: “How can I object to the use of my information” and follow the instructions. Once we have received your request, you may be asked to provide more detail about:
- The specific purpose you are objecting to.
- The reasons for your objection. Under the GDPR, you have a right to object on grounds relating to your particular situation. This is important for us to be able to review and assess your objection.
To object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you can use the "unsubscribe" link in our marketing communications to stop us from using your information for that direct marketing.
When should the objection form be used?
You should submit an objection request only if you want Meta to stop conducting a specific processing activity with your data, where:
- The legal basis for that processing is the legitimate interests of Meta or of a third party; or
- The legal basis for that processing is tasks carried out in the public interest; or
- You want to object to the processing of your personal data for direct marketing.
To understand what legal basis is used for what processing, see the Meta Privacy Policy under the section “Legal basis information”.
For all other privacy related requests, please review the options available in the Privacy Rights Request channel or visit the Help Center, including if:
- You have specific questions about the functionality of our self-serve tools that help you access, download, and rectify your information. You can learn more about accessing and downloading your information in the Help Center.
- You have concerns or want to complain about Facebook's processing of your information, or you have general questions about our Privacy Policy. You can contact the Data Protection Officer if you have questions about the processing of your information by Meta.
- You want to exercise your other rights under the GDPR. Additional options to exercise your rights under the GDPR can be found in the Privacy Rights Request channel.
- You have questions about your privacy or account settings. The Help Center offers a number of articles about managing your privacy and controlling your account settings.
How is my objection assessed?
When processing your objection under the GDPR, we usually need to understand your reason for objecting (example: how the processing impacts you). This is so we can assess the objection and consider Meta's legitimate interests (or those of a third party) in conducting the processing activity in accordance with the GDPR.
We’ll consider several factors when assessing your objection including:
- Your reasonable expectations
- The benefits and risks to you, Meta, other users, or third parties
What happens if my objection is successful?
If your objection is successful, we will stop processing your personal information for the specific purpose relating to your objection.
In addition, if your objection is successful, you have a right to request the erasure of your information under article 17(1)(c) of the GDPR. You’ll need to make this request when you submit your objection, using the free text field in the objection form.
Can my objection be denied?
Your objection to direct marketing cannot be denied. In all other cases, your objection may be denied if:
- The assessment concluded that Meta has compelling legitimate grounds, i.e. an overriding interest, to continue the processing. For example, where it is essential for Meta to continue carrying out the processing.
- We found that the processing is needed for legal reasons. For example, if the information is required in response to legal requests, such as search warrants, court orders, production orders or subpoenas.
- You have not objected to a specific processing purpose. For example, you objected as follows: “I object to everything Meta processes about me.”
- Meta relies on another valid legal basis for the processing. For example, if Meta processes the information to provide you with Meta Products on the basis of contractual necessity.
- We do not have sufficient information to assess your objection.
- Your objection request is manifestly unfounded or excessive. For example, you submit the same objection multiple times after we’ve already reviewed and responded.
- We could not confirm that the personal information being processed which you are objecting to relates to you. For example, you provide an email address that is not associated with your account.
We'll let you know the outcome of your objection. If it is denied, we’ll provide you with the reason for our decision.