Preliminary findings by the European Commission on Friday show that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok violate European Union rules, which could lead to hefty fines.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, now have the possibility to defend themselves against the allegations or make adjustments to their platforms to avoid financial penalties.
According to the commission, the three platforms do not provide researchers with sufficient insight into their data as required under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
Such publicly accessible data sets should enable scientists to investigate, for example, the effects of content glorifying violence against children.
Additionally, the commission has alleged that Meta does not offer simple ways to report illegal content and to challenge content moderation decisions.
Should the commission ultimately decide that the companies violate EU law, it can impose a fine of up to 6 per cent of the total worldwide 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.
The preliminary findings “are making sure platforms are accountable for their services, as ensured by EU law, towards users and society,” she said.
The assessments presented on Friday are part of a broader probe into the three platforms running since 2024.
Meta is also under investigation over suspicions the US company may be violating rules on the protection of minors by not protecting children sufficiently from addictive algorithms.
Officials in Brussels have recently expressed frustration at Meta’s lack of cooperation.
The publication of the preliminary findings is therefore likely to be used as leverage in the deadlocked discussions with the US company.
The findings could, however, possibly increase tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly described EU legislation as anti-competitive.
Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, has moved closer to Trump’s political camp.
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