Overview
- Brussels said Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, plus TikTok, failed to grant researchers adequate access to public data as required by the Digital Services Act.
- The Commission also faulted Facebook and Instagram for non‑user‑friendly tools to report illegal content and for appeals systems that restrict users from providing explanations or evidence.
- Investigators cited the use of deceptive interface designs, or dark patterns, that can confuse or discourage reporting of content such as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content.
- Meta said it disagrees with the allegations and pointed to recent changes, while TikTok said it is reviewing the findings and flagged tensions between DSA transparency and GDPR privacy rules.
- The platforms can inspect the case files and reply or propose remedies; the probe drew on cooperation with Ireland’s Coimisiún na Meán, which forwarded 97 complaints, and other strands on minors’ safety and election risks remain open.