The European Commission on Friday accused Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok of breaching European Union regulations — a move that could result in significant financial penalties for the tech giants.
According to the Commission’s preliminary findings, Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — and TikTok failed to provide researchers with adequate access to platform data as required under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The law mandates that such data be available for independent research, including studies on harmful content such as material glorifying violence against children.
The Commission also alleged that Meta does not offer straightforward mechanisms for users to report illegal content or appeal moderation decisions.
If found guilty of violating EU law, the companies could face fines of up to 6 per cent of their total global annual turnover.
“Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny,” said European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen. She added that the preliminary findings are part of the EU’s efforts to ensure accountability and transparency among major online platforms.
The assessments released on Friday form part of a broader investigation into the three platforms that began in 2024. Meta is also being probed over allegations that it failed to adequately protect minors from addictive algorithms.
Officials in Brussels have recently expressed frustration over Meta’s lack of cooperation, and the publication of these findings is seen as an attempt to break the impasse with the U.S.-based company.
The move could further strain relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized EU digital legislation as anti-competitive. Meanwhile, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly grown closer to Trump’s political camp.
— dpa
