EU Commission Finds Meta and TikTok Violate Digital Services Act by Blocking Research Access and Obstructing Illegal Content Reporting

The European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok violated the EU’s Digital Services Act by restricting researchers’ access to public data and by obstructing straightforward reporting of illegal content.

“The European Commission preliminarilyfoundthat both TikTok and Meta are in violation of the bloc's Digital Services Act(DSA) on Friday (24 October)”

EUobserver

Weak appeal systems compound the problem.

EUobserver

Working with Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, the Commission highlights inadequate data access, difficult reporting flows, and deficient appeals.

Criticism includes that Meta’s appeals process does not allow users to submit explanations or evidence.

Regulators also describe “dark patterns” that make it harder to flag child sexual abuse and extremist content.

The findings are not final; both companies can respond before any decision that could include fines or mandated changes.

Research access is a central fault line in the debate.

The Commission stresses that data access for researchers is mandatory under the DSA.

Українські Національні Новини

TikTok argues that this conflicts with GDPR and says it has already granted access to nearly 1,000 research teams.

TikTok calls for regulatory clarity on how to reconcile the two laws.

Outlets note that restricted access hampers scrutiny of harms, especially to minors.

Some coverage broadens the political lens by linking the EU’s enforcement to potential transatlantic tensions.

France 24 highlights these transatlantic tensions in its reporting.

EUobserver emphasizes accountability and users’ rights under EU law.

Several sources report that Meta lacks user-friendly tools for illegal-content reporting and uses confusing or deceptive designs that hinder the reporting process.

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MarketScreener

The Commission, as described by RTE.ie, found 'dark patterns' in Meta’s Notice and Action mechanisms that make it difficult to flag child sexual abuse and terrorist content.

Arab News and Business Upturn also highlight challenges in reporting content and note that the appeals process is weak.

Українські Національні Новини adds that Meta’s appeals mechanism does not allow users to submit explanations or evidence, which limits the effectiveness of reviews.

Process and penalties remain in flux.

Both firms have the chance to respond, and Business Upturn says they’ve been invited to suggest remedies.

France 24

A final decision could order changes or levy fines up to 6% of global turnover.

Українські Національні Новини notes the Commission can also impose periodic penalties to enforce compliance.

EUobserver adds that these probes began in 2024 amid cases against platforms like X and Temu.

European Digital Rights wants swift rulings to protect users promptly.

Reactions and wider implications diverge across outlets.

“The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, said on Friday that it had preliminarily found both TikTok and Meta in breach of its transparency rules”

CNBC

Meta disputes breaching the Digital Services Act and says it has updated reporting, appeals, and data-access tools to comply.

CNBC

TikTok says it is committed to transparency but cannot fully share data without violating GDPR, urging regulatory clarity.

Українські Національні Новини reports that EU member states support a minimum social-network age to protect minors.

Tuko News notes broader EU investigations into the impacts on children.

The Guardian and the European Commission frame the Digital Services Act as holding platforms accountable for users’ and society’s benefit.

France 24 adds that enforcement could strain relations between the EU and the US.