The European Commission is cracking down on tech giants Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok, finding both in violation of the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA). These investigations mark a crucial step in holding powerful online platforms accountable for their impact on users and society.
The DSA, enacted in 2022, aims to curb the spread of illegal content and products online while bolstering user rights. The Commission’s preliminary findings paint a concerning picture:
-
Meta’s Platforms Struggle with User Complaints: The Commission alleges that Meta is not providing users with an effective way to report illegal content on Facebook and Instagram. Users reportedly face difficulty filing complaints and often don’t receive adequate responses to their reports. This lack of responsiveness could allow harmful content to persist unchecked.
-
Data Access Denied to Researchers: Both Meta and TikTok are facing accusations of failing to grant researchers sufficient access to public data from their platforms. The DSA mandates that large online platforms with over 45 million monthly users provide accredited researchers with this data. This information is crucial for researchers studying the spread of misinformation, potential societal harms, and the effectiveness of platform moderation efforts.
These investigations stem from complaints lodged with Ireland’s national regulatory authority, which oversees Meta’s EU operations. The Commission is working closely with Irish authorities on these cases. Meta and TikTok now have the opportunity to respond in writing to the preliminary findings, but there is no set deadline for this process. If the Commission ultimately rules against either company, penalties of up to 6% of their global annual revenue could be imposed.
Looking Beyond Immediate Findings:
The Commission’s probes into Meta delve further than user complaints and data access: they also encompass deceptive advertising practices and content related to political campaigns. The investigation into TikTok specifically focuses on protecting minors online and ensuring transparency in its advertising. These investigations highlight the EU’s commitment to holding Big Tech accountable for a wide range of activities that impact users and society.
The Commission has launched 14 proceedings under the DSA so far, targeting platforms like X (formerly Twitter), AliExpress, and Temu alongside Meta and TikTok. This indicates a broader effort by the EU to enforce its new digital rules and shape the future of online interactions within its borders. The ongoing investigations serve as a powerful reminder that the days of unchecked tech dominance are coming to an end – at least in Europe.
