EU Commission Finds Facebook, Instagram Violating Digital Services Act

The European Commission's preliminary findings reveal that Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms, along with TikTok, are violating the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) in several key areas. Meta's platforms have been criticized for imposing confusing and overly complex procedures that deter users from reporting illegal content, including child sexual abuse and terrorist material, as well as for using deceptive interface designs known as 'dark patterns'. Additionally, both Meta and TikTok have been found to restrict researchers' access to public data, preventing effective scrutiny and investigation of harmful content exposure, particularly among minors. The Commission has highlighted shortcomings in Meta's appeals process for content moderation decisions, limiting users' ability to contest account suspensions or content removals. These violations could result in fines of up to six percent of each company's global annual revenue pending a final ruling, while the platforms have the opportunity to challenge the findings or make corrective changes. The ongoing enforcement signals the EU's commitment to holding social media platforms accountable for transparency, user empowerment, and compliance with digital regulations.