The European Commission has provisionally ruled that TikTok and Meta are not fulfilling their obligations under the Digital Services Act.
The European Commission has published a preliminary ruling accusing Meta and TikTok of multiple violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The violations concern the handling of illegal content, moderation, and transparency.
Confusing Interface
According to the Commission, Meta makes it unnecessarily difficult for users on Facebook and Instagram to report illegal content or dispute moderator decisions. The platforms allegedly use misleading interfaces that make reporting, for example, terrorist propaganda difficult.
Additionally, the Commission accuses both Meta and TikTok of not easily providing researchers with access to the necessary data. This is despite the DSA being specifically designed for greater transparency.
Threat of Billion-Euro Fines
If the Commission’s position is confirmed, both companies could face fines of up to six percent of their global annual turnover. Meta and TikTok will have the opportunity to challenge the decision. They can also choose to take measures before the Commission issues a final ruling.