Facebook-owner Meta, Google, and others face key Irish data privacy ruling 

Data watchdog has cast doubt on the legality of so-called standard contractual clauses to transfer swathes of user data to the US for processing

Meta’s business model, like that of Google, relies on collecting enough data to discern what users might be interested in or want to purchase, and to serve them relevant ads. 

The stark warning by Facebook-owner Meta Platforms of a retreat from Europe may just be the start, as Ireland's Data Protection Commission prepares a decision that could paralyse transatlantic data flows and risk billions in revenue for tech giants.

The Irish data watchdog, which polices the US tech giants that have flocked here, is soon to weigh in on the legality of so-called standard contractual clauses used by Meta, Alphabet-owned Google, and others to legally transfer swathes of user data to the US for processing.