The European Commission found Meta and TikTok non-compliant with the Digital Services Act, impacting research on harmful content. This matters as it raises concerns about user safety and platform accountability.

An investigation by the European Commission (EC) has determined that Meta and TikTok breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to provide adequate access to public data for researchers studying illegal or harmful online content. The EC criticized both companies for their cumbersome procedures that leave researchers with incomplete data, which is essential for assessing user exposure to harmful content. Additionally, Meta's platforms, Facebook and Instagram, were found to complicate the reporting process for illegal content, employing 'dark patterns' that confuse users. The EC also noted that the appeal mechanisms for content moderation on these platforms do not allow EU residents to fully present their cases. TikTok responded by stating it has invested in data sharing, while Meta claimed to have made necessary adjustments to comply with DSA requirements. The investigation underscores the ongoing scrutiny of big tech companies regarding their responsibilities in content moderation and user safety.