EU Commission demands answers from Meta

The European Commission has issued a formal request to Meta, the U.S.-based tech giant, seeking detailed information on the measures it has implemented to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA). This request follows Meta’s recent decision to discontinue its transparency tool, CrowdTangle, on Aug. 14.

The commission’s inquiry specifically focuses on how Meta intends to maintain compliance with its obligations under the DSA, particularly regarding the accessibility of public data on Facebook and Instagram for researchers. In light of CrowdTangle’s discontinuation, Meta has been asked to provide comprehensive details on its new tools, the Meta Content Library and API, which are intended to replace CrowdTangle.

Transparency concerns

The discontinuation of CrowdTangle has sparked criticism from researchers and civil society groups who argue that the tool was essential for monitoring trending topics and measuring civic discourse on social media platforms. The commission’s request seeks clarity on the content library, the API’s eligibility criteria, the application process, the types of data accessible, and the functionalities of these new tools.

A Meta spokesperson defended the company’s decision, stating, “We announced last year that we would discontinue CrowdTangle because it did not provide a complete picture of what is happening on our platforms. In its place, we have built new, more comprehensive tools for researchers, called the Meta Content Library & API, and we remain in discussion with the European Commission on this matter.”

Ongoing investigations

This development is part of a broader investigation by the commission, which began in April, into Meta’s compliance with the DSA. The investigation focuses on the lack of an effective third-party, real-time civic discourse and election-monitoring tool ahead of the upcoming EU elections, as well as Meta’s shortcomings in providing data access to researchers.

In response to earlier concerns, Meta deployed new functionalities within CrowdTangle, including public real-time visual dashboards for each EU Member State. These tools were designed to allow third-party monitoring of civic discourse and election activities in real time. However, these functionalities have now been discontinued.

Deadline for response

Meta has until Sept. 6 to respond to the commission’s request. Depending on the company’s response, the commission may consider taking further steps, including the imposition of interim measures or non-compliance decisions.

The European Union’s DSA, which came into effect last year, imposes strict rules on large digital platforms, with potential penalties reaching up to 6% of global turnover for violations. Repeat offenses could lead to the termination of a platform’s operations within the EU. The Commission has also warned Meta that providing incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to this request could result in financial penalties.