Story perspectives

Meta and TikTok Face Penalties Over Data Access Violations

10/25/2025

Summary

Commission Critiques Meta, TikTok

The European Commission preliminarily found that Meta Platforms, Inc. and TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by restricting researchers’ access to public data.
The Commission also criticized burdensome procedures that hinder research on harmful content.
If confirmed, penalties could reach up to 6% of each company’s global annual revenue.
Both companies denied wrongdoing and are reviewing the findings, stressing their compliance with EU rules.

History

Historical Context

The Digital Services Act, enacted by the European Union in 2022, aims to regulate online platforms and enhance user protection. Following Elon Musk's controversial suspension of journalists on Twitter in December 2022, concerns arose regarding compliance with this act. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between tech companies like Twitter and regulatory bodies over transparency, accountability, and the implications for press freedom in digital spaces.

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Commission Critiques Meta, TikTok

The European Commission preliminarily found that Meta Platforms, Inc. and TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by restricting researchers’ access to public data.
The Commission also criticized burdensome procedures that hinder research on harmful content.
If confirmed, penalties could reach up to 6% of each company’s global annual revenue.
Both companies denied wrongdoing and are reviewing the findings, stressing their compliance with EU rules.

1 / 2