The European Commission has released preliminary findings indicating that Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are in violation of European Union rules. The commission’s report, published on Friday, states that the three platforms fail to provide sufficient data to researchers, as required by the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This data is essential for scientists to study the effects of content that glorifies violence against children, among other topics.
The commission has also alleged that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, does not offer adequate methods for reporting illegal content or challenging content moderation decisions. These findings are part of a broader investigation into the three platforms, which began in 2024. Meta is also under investigation for potentially violating rules related to the protection of minors, specifically regarding the use of addictive algorithms.
The European Commission’s Vice President, Henna Virkkunen, emphasized the importance of trust in democracies, stating that platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and be open to scrutiny. The preliminary findings aim to ensure that platforms are accountable for their services, as mandated by EU law, towards users and society.
If the commission ultimately determines that the companies are in violation of EU law, they may face fines of up to 6% of their total worldwide annual turnover. The publication of these findings may be used as leverage in ongoing discussions with Meta, which has been criticized for its lack of cooperation. The EU’s decision may also potentially escalate tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has previously described EU legislation as anti-competitive.
The investigation into the three platforms is ongoing, and the commission’s findings may have significant implications for the companies involved. The EU’s Digital Services Act aims to regulate online platforms and ensure that they operate in a transparent and accountable manner. The commission’s efforts to enforce these regulations may lead to changes in the way that Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok operate, and may have a broader impact on the tech industry as a whole.
