Meta’s Irish Division Penalized $264 Million for Data Breach

Meta Fined $264 Million Over 2018 Data Breach Impacting 29 Million Users

Meta Platforms’ Irish division has been fined €251 million ($264 million or approximately Rs. 2,242 crore) by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) following two investigations into a 2018 data breach. The breach reportedly exposed the personal data of 29 million Facebook users globally, including full names, email addresses, phone numbers, timeline posts, and group memberships.

Breach Details and Global Impact

The breach was first reported by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited in September 2018. According to the DPC’s findings, the data of around three million users in the European Union and European Economic Area was compromised. The breach occurred due to unauthorized third-party exploitation of user tokens on Facebook. Meta and its US parent company addressed the issue shortly after it was discovered.

GDPR Violations and Findings

The DPC concluded that Meta violated General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules by failing to adequately document details of the breach and the corrective measures taken. Additionally, Meta was found to have breached GDPR’s requirement to ensure that only data necessary for specific purposes is processed by default.

Meta’s Response and Prior Fines

In a statement, a Meta spokesperson highlighted that the company had taken immediate action to address the breach, notified affected users, and implemented measures to prevent future incidents. Earlier this year, the Irish watchdog fined Meta €91 million ($95.6 million or approximately Rs. 812 crore) over an investigation related to password storage practices.

Moto G15 and G15 Power Debut with MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme Chipset

Moto G15 and Moto G15 Power Launched with MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme SoC

Motorola has unveiled its latest G-series smartphones, the Moto G15 and Moto G15 Power, in select global markets. Both devices are powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset and feature large 6.72-inch displays. While the two models share similar specifications, the Moto G15 Power stands out with its larger 6,000mAh battery, compared to the 5,200mAh battery in the Moto G15. These phones ship with Android 15 out-of-the-box and offer up to 24GB of effective RAM through Motorola’s RAM Boost technology.

Global Availability and Colour Options

Pricing details for the Moto G15 and Moto G15 Power remain undisclosed. However, Motorola has confirmed that the devices will be available in select regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. The Moto G15 is listed in three colour options: Gravity Grey, Iguana Green, and Sunrise Orange. Meanwhile, the Moto G15 Power will be offered in two shades: Gravity Grey and Iguana Green.

Display and Performance

Both smartphones boast a 6.72-inch full-HD+ display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset ensures smooth performance, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The devices also support Motorola’s RAM Boost feature, enabling users to expand memory up to 24GB by utilizing unused storage.

Storage and Expandability

The Moto G15 offers up to 512GB of internal storage, while the Moto G15 Power is limited to 256GB. Both models support storage expansion of up to 1TB via a microSD card, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. With these features, Motorola aims to cater to consumers seeking reliable mid-range devices with solid performance and long-lasting batteries.

OnePlus 13 and 13R to Launch Globally on January 7

OnePlus 13 and 13R Set for Global Launch on January 7

OnePlus has officially confirmed the global launch date for its flagship OnePlus 13 series, which includes the highly anticipated OnePlus 13 and the rumored OnePlus 13R. The announcement comes after the OnePlus 13 debuted in China in October. The OnePlus 13R, expected to be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 5 launching in China on December 26, will serve as the successor to the OnePlus 12R. This global unveiling marks OnePlus’ first major release of 2024 and aims to strengthen its presence in flagship and mid-range markets worldwide, including India.

Launch Event Details

The OnePlus 13 series will be introduced globally on January 7 during the company’s Winter Launch Event. The event, expected to be held virtually, will be livestreamed in India starting at 9 PM IST. While the official announcement does not specify the lineup, the use of “series” strongly implies the launch of multiple devices, including the OnePlus 13R. This move aligns with OnePlus’ tradition of offering both premium and cost-effective variants to cater to diverse market segments.

OnePlus 13 Specifications (Global Variant)

The global version of the OnePlus 13 is anticipated to share key features with its Chinese counterpart. It will likely boast a 6.82-inch Quad-HD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Under the hood, the handset could be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. These specifications position the OnePlus 13 as a formidable competitor in the flagship smartphone category.

OnePlus 13R: The Successor to the 12R

The OnePlus 13R is expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, offering premium features at a more accessible price point. Reports suggest that it will be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 5, with hardware tailored to international markets. By including the 13R in the lineup, OnePlus aims to capture a broader audience, particularly in markets like India, where mid-range smartphones dominate.