The European Union has accused Meta and TikTok of failing to comply with its digital regulations, a move that could irritate former US president Donald Trump, who has warned of fresh tariffs on countries seen as targeting American tech.
Despite these threats, Brussels has insisted it will enforce the rules. In its initial findings, the EU said both Meta and TikTok were not providing researchers with adequate access to public data, a requirement under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Regulators stressed that the rules aim not only at transparency but also at enabling essential research, such as measuring children’s exposure to harmful content online.
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, said it remained committed to transparency. “We are reviewing the European Commission’s findings, but some requirements to ease data safeguards conflict with GDPR,” a spokesperson said. “If it is not possible to comply fully with both, we urge regulators to clarify how obligations should be reconciled.”
The EU also criticised Meta’s platforms, Facebook and Instagram, for failing to provide clear ways for users to report illegal content or challenge moderation decisions. The commission accused the companies of using “dark patterns,” misleading designs that confuse or discourage users.
Under the DSA, platforms must clearly explain moderation choices, which the EU said Meta has not fully achieved. Meta rejected the claims, saying it has improved reporting options, appeals processes, and data access tools since the DSA came into effect.
Both companies now have the chance to review EU files and propose solutions to address the concerns. If Brussels is not satisfied, it may impose fines for each breach on each platform.
EU digital spokesman Thomas Regnier defended the law, saying it protects free speech. “The DSA allows citizens to challenge unilateral content moderation decisions by Big Tech,” he said.
Meta and TikTok are also under several EU investigations, including probes into whether they are doing enough to prevent their platforms from being addictive to children.