EU charges Meta and TikTok over failures to tackle illegal content: DSA fines Meta TikTok update

The European Commission has opened an investigation into Meta and TikTok for breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe could result in fines of up to 6 percent of each company’s global annual turnover if they are found non‑compliant.

Commission officials say the platforms have imposed “burdensome procedures and tools” that hinder researchers from accessing public data. This restriction limits the ability to study how minors are exposed to illegal or harmful content. Under the DSA, providing researchers with reliable data is a transparency obligation, the Commission added.

Additionally, Meta is cited for lacking a user‑friendly mechanism to report illegal posts, such as child sexual abuse material. The current system on Facebook and Instagram requires multiple steps and employs a dark interface design that is confusing and discouraging. The DSA requires platforms to offer EU users straightforward reporting tools for illegal content.

The Commission also found that neither Facebook nor Instagram allow users to present evidence or explanations when appealing content removal or account suspensions, undermining the effectiveness of the appeals process.

Meta and TikTok will be able to review the Commission’s evidence and submit written responses. They can also implement changes to bring their services into compliance. The Commission will decide whether to levy a fine only if the companies remain non‑compliant. Meta has denied any breach, stating it has updated reporting options, appeals, and data access tools in line with the DSA. TikTok said it is reviewing the findings and is seeking guidance on reconciling DSA requirements with GDPR data safeguards.