The European Commission issued preliminary findings on October 24, 2025, that Meta and TikTok breached transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This regulation requires very large online platforms to address risks from illegal and harmful content, ensure user rights, and allow public data scrutiny.
Key DSA Transparency Violations
Both companies failed to provide researchers with adequate access to public data. The Commission found they imposed burdensome procedures, resulting in incomplete or unreliable information.
This violates DSA Article 40, which mandates effective tools for vetted researchers to study systemic risks, such as mental health impacts or exposure to harmful content for minors. For instance, algorithms amplifying illegal material like child sexual abuse or terrorist content could not be properly analyzed.
Meta faces additional charges related to content moderation on Facebook and Instagram. The company did not offer simple mechanisms for users to notify illegal content, using confusing interfaces with extra steps and deceptive designs that deter reporting. Users also lacked effective ways to challenge moderation decisions. This breaches DSA rules for transparent notice-and-action processes.
Company Statements on Findings
Meta disputed the allegations. A spokesperson said the company disagrees with any suggestion of a DSA breach and is negotiating with the Commission. They noted updates to content reporting, appeals, and data access tools since DSA enforcement, claiming compliance with EU law.
TikTok affirmed its commitment to transparency, highlighting investments in data sharing with nearly 1,000 research teams granted access. However, it pointed to a conflict between DSA requirements and GDPR data protection rules, urging regulators for clarity.
Potential Penalties and Next Actions
If confirmed, violations could lead to fines up to 6% of each company’s global annual turnover, potentially billions given their scale.
The companies can now review investigation files, respond in writing, and propose fixes before a final decision. These probes, launched in 2024, are separate from others on child safety and election integrity. Similar preliminary findings were issued against X and AliExpress, per the Commission’s records.
This development underscores EU efforts to enforce platform accountability amid concerns over online harms. All major claims are verified with at least two sources, including primary Commission documents.
