Meta, TikTok, X challenge UK watchdog over online safety data demands
META•Meta, TikTok and X are challenging Ofcom’s requests for detailed content moderation data under Britain’s Online Safety Act. The law allows fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover for the most serious breaches.
1. Data requests challenged
The companies say Ofcom’s February information notices impose unprecedented burdens. The requests seek metrics including how many posts were removed or had visibility restricted and how many users were exposed to harmful content.
2. Regulator defends requests
Meta said in court filings that Ofcom sought wide-ranging, granular information about seven of its services without a clearly defined regulatory purpose. TikTok said Ofcom had circumvented an alternative monitoring regime with specific safeguards. Ofcom said the information was needed to evaluate whether the new regime was working and that it narrowed the requests’ scope before implementation. The hearing concludes Wednesday; a separate Meta challenge over how fees and penalties are calculated is expected next week.
