Core Points - The European Union has charged Meta Platforms Inc. for allegedly failing to properly handle illegal content on Facebook and Instagram, marking the bloc's first such accusation against a major social media company [1] Group 1 - The charge indicates a significant regulatory scrutiny on Meta Platforms Inc. regarding its content moderation practices [1] - This action reflects the EU's ongoing efforts to enforce stricter regulations on social media platforms to ensure compliance with legal standards [1] - The case could set a precedent for future regulatory actions against other social media companies operating within the EU [1]

The European Commission said Friday it has preliminarily found that both ByteDance-owned (BDNCE) TikTok and Meta (NASDAQ:META) violated the bloc’s transparency requirements under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission preliminarily found both platforms in breach of their obligation to ...

Currency Market - The GBP/USD currency pair has declined by 0.2%, trading at 1.3274, influenced by a stronger U.S. dollar and concerns regarding the UK economic outlook [3][8]. Technology Sector - The EU Commission is formally scrutinizing major tech platforms, including Snapchat, YouTube, Apple App Store, and Google Play, under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for their safeguards for minors [4][8]. Monetary Policy - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) did not engage in any government bond trading throughout September, indicating a specific stance on monetary policy and market liquidity management [5][8].

Core Viewpoint - The European Union is demanding major tech companies, including Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube, to explain their measures for protecting children online, emphasizing the need for enhanced privacy, security, and safety [2][4]. Group 1: EU Actions and Regulations - The European Commission has initiated requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to assess the practices of Apple, Google, Snapchat, and YouTube regarding the protection of minors online [2][3]. - The EU is also investigating Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, due to concerns about their platforms' addictive nature for children [4]. - Denmark, holding the rotating EU presidency, is advocating for collective action to safeguard minors, including a proposed ban on social media for children under 15 [5]. Group 2: Future Considerations - EU ministers are set to discuss age verification on social media and potential measures to enhance online safety for minors [6]. - A joint statement is expected to support EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's initiative to explore a potential EU-wide digital majority age, with plans to establish a panel of experts for further assessment [8].

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A Dutch court Thursday ordered Meta to ensure that Facebook and Instagram users in the Netherlands have "direct and easily available" access to a feed that is not based on algorithmic profiling. The Amsterdam court said Meta currently switches the preferences back to a curated feed whenever a ...

Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms Inc. is facing potential fines from the European Union for not adequately moderating illegal content on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, as per the EU's Digital Services Act [1][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The European Commission is preparing to issue preliminary findings indicating that Meta's platforms lack an adequate "notice and action mechanism" for users to report illegal posts [2]. - A charge sheet against Meta is expected in the coming weeks, following an investigation that began in April 2024 [3]. - If the findings are confirmed, Meta could face fines of up to 6% of its annual global sales [3]. Group 2: Compliance Requirements - Under the EU's Digital Services Act, platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU must implement robust measures to combat illegal or harmful content [5]. - Meta is currently under investigation for issues related to illegal content, disinformation, and the protection of minors [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - Other major platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and e-commerce sites like Temu and AliExpress, are also facing proceedings under the Digital Services Act [5]. - The EU's regulations on large tech platforms have become a point of contention in its relations with the US, with accusations of unfair targeting of American companies [6].

Apple is asking Europe’s antitrust regulator to do away with its digital protection rule. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.In a blog post Thursday (Sept. 25), the tech giant asked the European Commis ...

Core Points - The European Union is demanding Big Tech companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking, to explain their actions against online financial scams under the Digital Services Act (DSA) [3][4][5] - The DSA aims to ensure that Big Tech firms take more responsibility in combating illegal content online, with potential investigations and fines for non-compliance [4][5][8] - The EU has already initiated multiple investigations into platforms like Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok and X, under the DSA [8][10] Company Responses - Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking have been requested to provide information on how they prevent their services from being exploited by scammers [4][6] - Google reported blocking hundreds of millions of scam-related search results daily, while Booking noted a significant reduction in phishing-related fake reservations from 1.5 million to 250,000 between 2023 and 2024 [6][7] - Microsoft expressed its commitment to creating safe online experiences and plans to engage with the European Commission [6] Regulatory Context - The DSA is part of a broader regulatory framework, including the Digital Markets Act, aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting users online [8] - The EU has faced criticism from US officials, including former President Trump, who labeled the regulations as censorship, while the EU maintains that illegal activities online should be treated similarly to those in the real world [9] - Ongoing investigations into various platforms, including Musk's X, are expected to conclude in the near future, with potential fines anticipated [10]

Trade Relations & Regulations - Trade deals between the U S and E U are stalled due to the Digital Services Act [1] - The Digital Services Act heavily factors into the attempt to revive AI censorship [1]

Core Insights - A senior EU policy manager at Meta, Christelle Dernon, announced her departure from the company after four years, giving it a "Met Most Expectations" rating in a performance review [1][2] - Dernon played a significant role in campaigns related to the EU's Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, and coordinated an open letter on AI regulation signed by over 40 CEOs [2][4] Departure Context - Dernon's exit follows the recent departure of another key figure, Monica Allen, who was the director of public policy campaigns in Europe [3][4] - Both departures occur amid increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by Meta in Europe [4] Regulatory Environment - Meta's chief global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, criticized the EU's approach to AI regulation, labeling it as an "over-reach" that could hinder AI development in Europe [5][6] - In response to new regulations, Meta announced it would cease accepting paid political, electoral, and social-issue advertising across the EU starting in October [7]