Meta launches legal challenge against UK media regulator over Online Safety Act
Action against Ofcom comes as social media companies are being accused of using courts to slow down implementation Meta has launched a fresh legal challenge against Britain’s media regulator in the latest of a slew of actions by social media companies who are accused of using the courts to slow down implementation of the Online Safety Act. Lawyers for the parent company of Facebook served notice…
Meta has initiated a legal challenge against British media regulator Ofcom in response to the Online Safety Act. The tech giant's parent company, Facebook, filed an appeal against classifying WhatsApp and Instagram as entities subject to additional duties under the act. These duties entail greater transparency, user controls, protection from fraudulent advertising, and enhanced monitoring of illegal content.
The move follows US tech companies' and the Trump White House's disagreement with Ofcom's fee and fine regime under the digital safety legislation. In May, Meta challenged Ofcom's methodology for calculating penalties, arguing it should not be based on global revenue. Breaches of the Online Safety Act can result in fines up to 10% of a company's qualifying worldwide revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher.
Ofcom is financing online safety operations using a portion of this revenue. Other tech companies, including TikTok and X, are also contesting information disclosure requirements. A regulator spokesperson stated that Ofcom is operating in a "highly litigious environment" and aims to effect change. Meta's spokesperson clarified that these challenges relate to Ofcom's interpretation of the law, not the law itself.
Secretary for digital, culture, media, and sport, Lisa Nandy, anticipates a more interventionist government as tech evolves rapidly.
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