The European Commission has raised serious concerns about Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, accusing the tech giant of breaching transparency obligations by making it difficult for researchers to access public data. This issue arises amid growing calls for greater oversight of online platforms, particularly in relation to the protection of children from harmful content. The EU regulators argue that restricting access to such data could severely limit the ability of researchers to conduct thorough analyses on the potential risks posed by online platforms.
According to the Commission, the lack of transparency in Meta’s data access policies may be impeding the development of evidence-based strategies to combat the spread of harmful content, including misinformation and harmful material targeting minors. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that researchers and watchdogs have the necessary access to data to evaluate the effectiveness of content moderation policies and to identify areas where further improvements are needed.
The Commission’s allegations are part of a broader effort to enforce digital rights and ensure that tech giants are held accountable for their impact on society. The EU has been increasingly focused on regulating big technology companies, with recent legislative actions aimed at enhancing data protection and user privacy. This case underscores the ongoing tension between innovation, data access, and the responsibility of tech companies to safeguard the wellbeing of their users, especially children.