BRUSSELS (BN24)—The European Commission said on Friday that Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are in breach of European Union rules designed to ensure transparency on digital platforms, potentially exposing the companies to fines of up to 6% of their worldwide annual turnover.
Preliminary findings from the EU executive show that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, has failed to provide researchers with sufficient access to platform data as required under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Such data sets are intended to allow independent scientists to study the impacts of harmful content, including material that glorifies violence against children.
The commission also cited shortcomings in Meta’s user protections, stating that the company does not offer straightforward mechanisms for reporting illegal content or challenging content moderation decisions. These gaps, the EU said, undermine public trust and accountability, key pillars of democratic governance.
“Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny,” said European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. She added that the preliminary assessments are part of ongoing efforts to hold digital platforms accountable to society and their users.
The investigation into the three social media platforms, launched in 2024, also examines whether Meta violates rules protecting minors, particularly regarding exposure to addictive algorithms. EU officials in Brussels have expressed frustration at Meta’s perceived lack of cooperation during the probe.
Meta now has the opportunity to respond to the allegations or adjust its platforms to avoid potential penalties. Should the commission determine that the company has violated EU law, fines could reach six percent of its global annual revenue.
The findings could intensify ongoing tensions between the EU and the United States. Some observers note that the enforcement of EU digital rules may strain relations with Washington, where former President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized EU legislation as anti-competitive. Meanwhile, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly aligned more closely with Trump’s political network, adding a further layer of geopolitical sensitivity to the EU investigation.
The European Commission’s announcement underscores increasing scrutiny of social media giants, highlighting the EU’s commitment to transparency, user safety, and responsible platform governance. Analysts say the preliminary report could serve as leverage in negotiations with Meta and other digital platforms as the EU seeks stronger enforcement of its digital rulebook.
