EU: ‘Meta and TikTok violate DSA transparency rules’

Brussels, 24 October (LaPresse) – The European Commission has preliminarily found that TikTok and Meta have violated their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act. According to the European Executive, both TikTok and Meta have violated their obligation to ensure adequate access to public data for researchers under the Digital Services Act (DSA). In addition, it has been preliminarily established that Meta, for both Instagram and Facebook, has violated its obligations to provide users with simple mechanisms to report illegal content, as well as to allow them to effectively challenge content moderation decisions. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok now have the opportunity to examine the documents contained in the Commission’s investigation files and to respond in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. The platforms can take measures to remedy the infringements. In parallel, the European Digital Services Committee will be consulted. If the Commission’s opinion is confirmed, it may issue a non-compliance decision, which may result in a fine of up to 6% of the provider’s total worldwide annual turnover. The Commission may also impose periodic penalty payments to compel a platform to comply. New opportunities will open up for researchers on 29 October 2025, with the entry into force of the delegated act on data access. This act will ensure access to non-public data from large online platforms and search engines, with the aim of strengthening their accountability and identifying potential risks arising from their activities.