(January 14, 2026, 10:43 GMT | Official Statement) — In a significant regulatory development, French telecom operators Free Mobile and Free, both subsidiaries of Iliad, are facing a cumulative fine of €42 million imposed by the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) due to a security breach. The fines comprise €27 million for Free Mobile and €15 million for Free, attributed to insufficient measures taken to protect their subscribers’ personal data. This action follows a cyber attack that occurred in October 2024 when a malicious actor gained unauthorized access to the companies’ information systems, impacting personal information linked to 24 million subscriber contracts. The implications of this breach underscore serious vulnerabilities within the telecommunications sector and the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols. The press release detailing this decision is attached for further information.
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