May I use the Facebook/Meta Pixel?

Meta Pixel is a marketing tracker = heavy GDPR status. See also our article on Meta Pixel fines. Required configuration for lawful use: (1) Prior explicit consent via cookie banner — first opt-in, then load. Pre-loaded Pixel = NEVER allowed. (2) Joint Controller Arrangement (JCA) with Meta (Wirtschaftsakademie jurisprudence 2018 — site owner AND Meta are joint controllers). Standard JCA via Meta Business — accept in your Business Manager. (3) Schrems II TIA for data transfer to Meta USA. (4) Privacy statement mentions Pixel + your rights + opt-out route. (5) Conversion API (CAPI) as alternative to pure client-side Pixel — server-side, better control. What is NOT allowed? Loading Pixel before the cookie banner consents. Sending conversion data "without cookies" via fingerprinting — still counts as marketing tracking. Sharing Custom Audiences without consent. Fines: NOYB has filed >100 complaints against NL sites. AP fines 2023-2025 for Pixel-without-consent typically €25k-€250k. Alternatives: Meta Conversion API server-side + own attribution model. Or no Pixel at all — Facebook ads can also work without Pixel (less targeting).