The European Commission said on Friday that U.S. tech giant Meta and Chinese-owned social media app TikTok have breached their obligations to grant researchers sufficient access to public data under the Digital Services Act (DSA), according to its preliminary findings.
In a statement, the Commission said Meta’s platforms Facebook and Instagram also appear to lack a user-friendly and easily accessible system for users to report illegal content, including child sexual abuse material and terrorist content.
The Digital Services Act is part of the EU’s wider crackdown on Big Tech, requiring major platforms such as social media networks and search engines to implement robust systems that curb the spread of illegal and harmful content.
“The Commission’s preliminary findings show that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok may have put in place burdensome procedures and tools for researchers to request access to public data,” the EU executive said, referring to concerns over transparency.
“Allowing researchers access to platforms’ data is an essential transparency obligation under the DSA, as it provides public scrutiny into the potential impact of platforms on our physical and mental health.”
Regarding Meta’s handling of illegal content reports, the Commission said the company uses mechanisms that involve unnecessary steps and additional user demands, incorporating “deceptive interface designs.”
“Such practices can be confusing and dissuading. Meta’s mechanisms to flag and remove illegal content may therefore be ineffective. Under the DSA, ‘Notice and Action’ mechanisms are key to allowing EU users … to inform online platforms that certain content does not comply with EU or national laws,” it said.
The Commission noted that both companies now have the opportunity to review the findings and take corrective action. It stressed that the conclusions are preliminary and do not prejudge the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
If the findings are confirmed following further consultations, the Commission could impose fines of up to 6% of each company’s annual global turnover.
