Free Mobile Fined €42 Million Over Data Breach

France’s data protection authority has fined Free Mobile and its parent company, Free, a total of €42 million for failing to adequately safeguard customer data from cyber threats in a 2024 breach. The penalty comes after authorities determined the company lacked sufficient security measures, leaving users vulnerable to unauthorized access and malicious activity.

According to regulators, the mobile operator did not apply essential technical protections needed to fend off cyberattacks, violating data privacy obligations under French and European laws. Investigators cited specific shortcomings in alert systems and response protocols, highlighting systemic negligence.

The decision marks one of CNIL’s largest enforcements to date, underlining growing scrutiny of telecom firms. Free Mobile fined €42 sends a strong signal to companies that data protection failures will carry significant financial consequences.

For more details about the ruling and the breach, readers can access the full article at the following link:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/france-fines-free-mobile-42-million-over-2024-data-breach-incident/