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Meta and TikTok may face EU fines over data access
According to the European Commission, Meta and TikTok could face huge fines under new EU rules for not being transparent with researchers.
Access to these platforms’ data is required under the Digital Services Act (DSA). which applies to large platforms with more than 45 million users per month. DSA’s goal is to make online services safer and more accountable, allowing researchers to monitor harmful or illegal content, including content affecting minors.
However, both Meta and TikTok made it almost impossible to conduct any research. Moreover, Meta is also accused of failing to provide simple ways for users to report illegal content or challenge content moderation decisions on Facebook and Instagram.
Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, said:
“Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny. The DSA makes this a duty, not a choice. With today’s actions, we have now issued preliminary findings on researchers’ access to data to four platforms. We are making sure platforms are accountable for their services, as ensured by EU law, towards users and society.”
The EC has shared its preliminary findings with the companies, who now have a chance to respond in writing. The Commission will consult the European Board for Digital Services, and if the violations are confirmed, the companies could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual turnover.
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