The European Union has recently scrutinized major social media platforms, Meta and TikTok, for alleged breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation aims to enhance transparency and user safety online. The European Commission’s preliminary findings suggest that both companies may have failed to meet their obligations under the DSA, particularly concerning data access for researchers and user reporting mechanisms.
These developments underscore the EU’s commitment to holding tech giants accountable for their role in the digital ecosystem. The outcomes of these investigations could significantly influence the future of online platform regulation and user rights within the EU.
Background on the Digital Services Act (DSA)
The Digital Services Act, implemented in 2022, is a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to create a safer digital space within the European Union. It imposes strict obligations on very large online platforms, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, and TikTok, to ensure user protection and transparency. Key provisions of the DSA include requirements for platforms to grant researchers access to public data and to provide users with straightforward mechanisms to report illegal content and challenge content moderation decisions.
The DSA represents a significant step in the EU’s efforts to regulate the digital landscape, aiming to balance the benefits of digital innovation with the need for user safety and rights protection. Its implementation marks a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by large online platforms.
Preliminary Findings Against Meta and TikTok
In October 2025, the European Commission announced preliminary findings indicating that both Meta and TikTok may have violated their obligations under the DSA. The Commission’s assessment focused on two main areas: access to public data for researchers and the effectiveness of user reporting mechanisms for illegal content.
Regarding data access, the Commission found that both platforms have implemented procedures that are overly burdensome for researchers. These complex processes often result in incomplete or unreliable data, hindering the ability to assess the spread of harmful or illegal content and its impact on users, particularly minors. This lack of adequate data access undermines the DSA’s goal of ensuring transparency and accountability in online platforms.
Meta’s User Reporting Mechanisms
The Commission also scrutinized Meta’s platforms, Facebook and Instagram, concerning their ‘notice and action’ mechanisms for reporting illegal content. Preliminary findings suggest that these mechanisms are neither user-friendly nor easily accessible. The platforms appear to employ ‘dark patterns’, design techniques that can confuse or discourage users from completing reports. Such practices can diminish the effectiveness of Meta’s systems for flagging and removing illegal content, potentially allowing harmful material to remain accessible to users.
Furthermore, the appeals process for content removal or account suspension on Meta’s platforms does not provide users with sufficient opportunity to present explanations or supporting evidence. This limitation restricts the effectiveness of challenges against content moderation decisions, potentially infringing on users’ rights to free expression and access to information.
TikTok’s Advertising Transparency
Separately, in May 2025, the European Commission found that TikTok had breached EU advertising transparency laws. The platform failed to provide a comprehensive advertisement repository, detailing ad content, targeted users, and the entities funding the advertisements. This lack of transparency impedes the detection of scam ads and coordinated campaigns that could disrupt elections or spread misinformation. Under the DSA, platforms are required to maintain such repositories to facilitate public scrutiny and research into online advertising practices.
While TikTok has made substantial investments in data sharing and claims to have granted access to data for nearly 1,000 research teams, the Commission’s findings highlight significant gaps in the platform’s compliance with the DSA’s transparency requirements. These issues underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring that platforms adhere to regulations designed to protect users and maintain the integrity of online information.
Responses from Meta and TikTok
In response to the Commission’s findings, both Meta and TikTok have expressed their commitment to transparency and user safety. Meta stated that it has made changes to its tools and processes to comply with DSA requirements, including updates to content reporting options, appeals processes, and data access tools. The company emphasized its confidence that these solutions align with EU regulations and are currently negotiating with the European Commission on these matters.
TikTok, on the other hand, acknowledged the Commission’s findings and stated that it is reviewing the requirements. The platform highlighted its substantial investments in data sharing and the provision of access to data for numerous research teams. However, TikTok also noted potential conflicts between the DSA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), particularly concerning data safeguards and user privacy. The company expressed a commitment to cooperating with the Commission to address these concerns while balancing user privacy rights.
Potential Consequences and Next Steps
If the European Commission’s preliminary findings are confirmed, both Meta and TikTok could face significant penalties under the DSA. The regulation allows for fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover for non-compliance. Such penalties would underscore the EU’s commitment to enforcing digital accountability and ensuring that platforms uphold their obligations to users and society.
Both companies have the opportunity to respond to the Commission’s findings and implement corrective actions. The Commission will consider these responses before making final decisions. The outcomes of these proceedings could set important precedents for the enforcement of the DSA and influence the future regulatory landscape for online platforms operating within the EU.
Implications for the Digital Landscape
The scrutiny of Meta and TikTok by the European Commission highlights the growing emphasis on transparency and user rights in the digital realm. The DSA represents a proactive approach by the EU to regulate online platforms and ensure they operate in a manner that is accountable and respectful of user rights. The findings against these major platforms serve as a reminder of the importance of compliance with digital regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the enforcement of regulations like the DSA will play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between users and online platforms. The outcomes of these investigations could influence how platforms design their services, interact with users, and handle data, potentially leading to more user-centric and transparent online environments.
The European Commission’s preliminary findings against Meta and TikTok underscore the importance of transparency and user rights in the digital age. The DSA provides a framework for holding platforms accountable and ensuring they operate in a manner that respects user rights and promotes a safe online environment. The ongoing investigations into these platforms highlight the EU’s commitment to enforcing these standards and the potential for significant changes in how online platforms function within the EU.
As these proceedings unfold, it will be essential to monitor the responses from Meta and TikTok, as well as the Commission’s final decisions. The outcomes will not only affect the companies involved but also set important precedents for the enforcement of digital regulations and the future of online platform governance. The emphasis on transparency and user rights is likely to influence the broader digital landscape, encouraging platforms to adopt more responsible and user-focused practices.
