(Finance) – The European Commission formally sent to Meta Platforms a request for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission asks the US giant to provide more information relating to Ad-free subscription options both for Facebook that for Instagram. In particular, Meta should provide further information on the measures it takes to comply with its obligations relating to Facebook and Instagram’s advertising practices, recommendation systems and risk assessments related to the introduction of such a subscription option, it said in a statement.
The information request also addresses several topics that were already included in information requests sent to Meta since October 2023. These previous requests covered issues such as terrorist content, risk management related to civic discourse and electoral processes, and the protection of minors. This request builds on Meta’s previous responses and requests further information regarding the methodology underlying Meta’s reports on risk assessment and mitigation measures, child protection, elections and media manipulation. Furthermore, it asks Meta for information relating to the practice of the so-called shadow banning et al launch of Threads.
Meta must provide the requested information that is based on Meta’s previous responses to the Commission by March 15th and the remaining questions by March 22nd 2024. Based on the evaluation of Meta’s responses, the Commission will evaluate next steps. This could lead to the formal opening of proceedings.
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