Liveblog appeal Meta January 26

The upcoming appeals hearing concerning Meta, scheduled for January 26, 2026, marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal battle over user autonomy on social media platforms. The case, brought by Bits of Freedom, challenges Meta's practices on Facebook and Instagram in relation to the Digital Services Act (DSA), a key piece of European digital policy. The outcome of this hearing will significantly shape how platforms comply with the DSA's requirements. The initial ruling, delivered by the Amsterdam District Court in early October, favored Bits of Freedom, mandating that Meta provide users with a non-profiling timeline option. The court found Meta's design choices to be in violation of the DSA's aim to provide users with choice and control over information presentation. While Meta was initially ordered to adjust its apps within two weeks, this was extended to December 31, 2025, pending the outcome of the appeal. This case has major implications for the digital rights of European citizens. If Meta loses the appeal, it will be forced to redesign its platforms to comply with the DSA, giving users greater control over their feeds and limiting the extent of algorithmic profiling. The case reflects the European Union's commitment to prioritizing user autonomy and data protection within the digital landscape and is a significant test of the DSA’s enforcement. The broader context is framed by ongoing discussions among European policymakers to explore how to best regulate platforms, including proposals that could grant access to user communications. The ruling will likely serve as a precedent.