- EU says Meta and TikTok restricted researchers’ access to public data.
- Both companies deny wrongdoing, citing compliance efforts.
- Possible fines could reach 6% of global annual turnover.
The European Commission has accused TikTok and Meta of violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), claiming both companies failed to provide adequate public data access to researchers. The DSA, one of Europe’s most significant tech regulations, requires major platforms to enable independent scrutiny of their impact on users, including minors.
In its preliminary findings released Friday, the Commission said Meta’s Facebook and Instagram “may have put in place burdensome procedures” that leave researchers with “partial or unreliable data.” TikTok was similarly cited for limiting data accessibility, potentially obstructing research on harmful or illegal content.
Meta and TikTok Push Back Against Allegations
Meta rejected the Commission’s claims, saying it has already made “significant improvements” to its reporting tools and appeals processes since the DSA came into force. A Meta spokesperson emphasized that the company believes its current data-sharing solutions meet EU requirements.
TikTok also defended its record, highlighting that it has allowed nearly 1,000 research teams to access platform data. However, it argued that the EU’s data-sharing expectations may conflict with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), creating legal uncertainty around user privacy and transparency obligations.
Heavy Fines Loom if EU Confirms Breaches
If the Commission upholds its findings, Meta and TikTok could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue — a significant penalty for two of the world’s largest social media companies. The companies have been invited to respond in writing before any final ruling.
Both firms have previously faced European regulatory heat. Meta was fined €200 million in April under the Digital Markets Act, while TikTok’s handling of user data transfers to China led to a €530 million fine earlier this year.
Also Read: TikTok U.S. Operations Deal Nears Finalization Amid Trump’s Security Push
A New Era of Accountability for Big Tech
The EU’s actions signal its growing determination to hold tech giants accountable for data transparency and user protection. As investigations deepen, the outcome could redefine how global platforms balance privacy, research access, and compliance across borders.
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