Millions in fines after data breach: CNIL sanctions French provider Free

January 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM UTC
Heise Online
Original: DE
Millions in fines after data breach: CNIL sanctions French provider Free

The French data protection authority, CNIL, has imposed a hefty fine on the French internet service provider Free. This significant penalty, totaling 42 million euros, underscores the ongoing emphasis on data security within the European Union, specifically within the realm of digital platforms and service providers. The fine stems from a major data breach experienced by Free and its mobile service arm, Free Mobile. This incident highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for companies managing sensitive user information, covering areas such as digital infrastructure and cloud services. This sanction serves as a stark reminder to all European tech companies about the stringent requirements of the GDPR. Such measures impact the entire digital ecosystem, from large software companies to smaller service providers.

Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.

Source Information

Publication: Heise Online
Published: January 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM UTC
All rights remain with the original publisher.

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