The European Commission has found that Facebook and Instagram are violating several key provisions of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), including rules on how they handle illegal content, user moderation, and transparency. The preliminary ruling also states that both Meta and TikTok failed to meet their DSA transparency obligations.
According to the Commission, Meta’s platforms create “confusing” barriers that make it difficult for users to report illegal material or appeal moderation decisions. The investigation suggests that Facebook and Instagram use “dark patterns” — deceptive interface designs — that can obstruct the reporting and removal of harmful content, including child sexual abuse and terrorist materials.
In addition, Meta and TikTok were found to restrict researchers’ access to public data by imposing unnecessarily complex procedures, undermining the DSA’s goal of accountability and openness.
If confirmed in the final ruling, both companies could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. Meta and TikTok still have the opportunity to contest the findings or implement corrective measures before the European Commission issues its definitive decision.
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