In a significant move on Friday, the European Commission called out social media giants Meta and TikTok for failing to meet obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which became effective on October 19, 2022. The preliminary findings highlight serious lapses in data accessibility and content moderation processes that could lead to substantial fines.

The Commission's investigation revealed that both Meta and TikTok did not provide adequate access to public data for research purposes. This lack of transparency is a critical concern under the DSA, which aims to ensure that platforms operate with accountability. Furthermore, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has been specifically faulted for not simplifying the process through which users can report illegal content and appeal moderation decisions.

The complexity and ineffectiveness of these procedures may hinder the timely removal of inappropriate or harmful content, posing risks to user safety and public discourse. The European Commission has stressed the importance of robust mechanisms that allow users to easily challenge content decisions, which Meta platforms currently lack.

In addition to data access issues, the ongoing formal proceedings against the companies are evaluating other significant concerns. TikTok is under scrutiny for its measures to mitigate addiction risks and safeguard minors from unsuitable content. Meanwhile, Meta is being assessed for its efforts to protect civic discourse and the integrity of electoral processes.

Designated as "Very Large Online Platforms," both Meta and TikTok are subject to intense scrutiny under the DSA. This designation comes with heightened responsibilities to prevent platform misuse and ensure user safety. Since the initiation of the proceedings, the European Commission has made multiple requests for information from the companies to assess their compliance.

If these preliminary findings are confirmed, TikTok and Meta could face penalties amounting to up to 6% of their annual global turnover, underscoring the EU's commitment to enforcing its digital legislation rigorously.

The Digital Services Act is a cornerstone of the EU's digital strategy, setting stringent operational standards for major online platforms to foster a safer and more accountable digital environment. As this situation develops, the actions taken by the European Commission could have far-reaching implications for how digital platforms manage user interaction and data transparency globally.