The European Commission has launched a new investigation against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, based in Brussels. The investigation is focused on alleged violations of policies related to misleading advertising and political content in the services provided by Meta. This follows months of urging from European authorities for large digital platforms to increase their efforts in combatting disinformation and Russian propaganda ahead of the European elections.
The Commission has emphasized the importance of technology companies taking their responsibilities seriously, especially in light of the digital services regulation that imposes stricter demands on larger digital companies compared to smaller actors. The investigation launched by Brussels is multifaceted and includes suspicions that Meta is not complying with obligations related to combating misleading advertisements, disinformation campaigns, and coordinated inauthentic behavior in the EU.
One specific concern highlighted by the Commission is Meta’s decision to eliminate a tool that allows third parties to monitor elections in real time without providing a substitute tool. With the European elections approaching, the lack of access to such tools during election times is seen as detrimental to civic discourse, electoral processes, and transparency. The investigation may continue for an indefinite period, during which the company may be requested to provide more information or undergo interviews until a definitive conclusion is reached. If the infringement is proven, Meta could face fines up to 6% of its global turnover.
Provisional control measures may be imposed on the company under investigation to prevent serious harm to users. These measures could include increased control over keywords and hashtags or an order to cease alleged violations before reaching a definitive conclusion. It’s important for Meta to address these concerns and take steps towards compliance with EU regulations in order to avoid legal action and protect its users from harmful content.