Meta faces major EU backlash as Brussels accuses Facebook and Instagram of breaching the Digital Services Act on data access and user protection

Meta is facing a major backlash from the European Commission after preliminary findings on Friday accused Facebook, Instagram and TikTok of violating key provisions of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) — a move that could result in multi-billion-euro fines.

Also read: Yaba College of Technology seals pact with France

The Commission alleges that the platforms have failed to provide researchers with adequate access to public data, as required under the DSA.

This data, Brussels insists, is crucial for examining the societal effects of online content, including material glorifying violence against children.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, now has the chance to defend itself against the allegations or make significant adjustments to its platforms to avoid financial penalties.

Should the Commission confirm the breaches, the company could be fined up to six per cent of its total worldwide annual turnover — a potentially staggering figure.

European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said the investigation underscored the need for transparency and accountability. “Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights and open their systems to scrutiny,” she said, adding that the findings ensure platforms remain accountable “towards users and society.”

The preliminary report also claims that Meta has failed to provide straightforward tools for users to report illegal content or appeal content moderation decisions.

The probe, launched in 2024, forms part of a broader EU effort to regulate major tech platforms under the DSA.

Meta is also under separate investigation for allegedly failing to protect minors from addictive algorithms — an issue that has drawn mounting criticism from both European and US regulators.

Tensions between Brussels and Washington are expected to rise further, particularly as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the EU of adopting “anti-competitive” digital legislation.

Meanwhile, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has drawn closer to Trump’s political orbit in recent months, complicating Meta’s standing with European authorities.

Also read: Yinka Ayefele Celebrates 10 Years of Fresh FM Success

As discussions continue, the publication of the findings appears to serve as strategic leverage in what has become a deeply strained relationship between the European Commission and the US tech giant.