EU Finds Meta and TikTok Potentially Violating Digital Services Act Transparency Rules

Preliminary EU Findings on Digital Services Act Compliance

The European Commission has reportedly determined that Meta Platforms and TikTok may be in breach of their transparency obligations under the landmark Digital Services Act, according to preliminary findings announced Friday. Sources indicate both tech giants face scrutiny over inadequate researcher access to public data and problematic content reporting mechanisms.

Preliminary EU Findings on Digital Services Act Compliance
Transparency and Research Access Concerns
Illegal Content Reporting Deficiencies
Company Responses and Next Steps
Potential Financial Consequences

Transparency and Research Access Concerns

Analysts suggest the core issue involves what the Commission describes as “burdensome procedures and tools” for researchers attempting to access public data from Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The report states that allowing researcher access constitutes an essential transparency obligation under the DSA, enabling public scrutiny into platforms’ potential impacts on physical and mental health.

According to the preliminary findings, the current systems implemented by these platforms may create unnecessary obstacles for academic and independent researchers. The Commission emphasized that proper data access mechanisms are crucial for understanding how these massive social media platforms influence society and individual wellbeing.

Illegal Content Reporting Deficiencies

The investigation reportedly identified additional concerns specifically regarding Meta’s platforms. The Commission stated that Facebook and Instagram do not appear to provide user-friendly, easily accessible mechanisms for reporting illegal content, including material related to child sexual abuse and terrorist content., according to related coverage

Sources indicate Meta’s current reporting systems allegedly impose “several unnecessary steps and additional demands on users” while employing what the Commission characterizes as “deceptive interface designs.” These practices, according to analysts, may confuse and discourage users from reporting violations, potentially rendering the platforms’ illegal content mechanisms ineffective.

Company Responses and Next Steps

A Meta spokesperson reportedly disputed suggestions of DSA non-compliance, telling Reuters the company has introduced changes to content reporting options, appeals processes, and data access tools since the DSA took effect. The spokesperson expressed confidence that these solutions meet EU legal requirements.

TikTok had not immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of the report. Both companies now have the opportunity to examine the findings and implement corrective measures before final determinations are made.

Potential Financial Consequences

If the Commission’s preliminary findings are confirmed through subsequent consultations, the companies could face significant financial penalties. Reports indicate potential fines might reach up to 6% of their annual global turnover, representing substantial financial exposure for both technology firms.

The Digital Services Act represents the European Union’s comprehensive approach to regulating large online platforms, requiring robust measures to combat illegal and harmful content while ensuring transparency and accountability. These preliminary findings mark another chapter in the ongoing regulatory scrutiny facing major technology companies operating in European markets.

The investigation continues as European regulators maintain pressure on technology giants to comply with the region’s evolving digital governance framework.