Live blog appeal Meta January 26
A Dutch court has ordered Meta to offer users of Facebook and Instagram a chronological timeline option, aligning with the Digital Services Act's (DSA) aims for user autonomy. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Bits of Freedom, arguing Meta's profiling-based timelines violate European digital rights. The court's decision emphasizes user control over information presentation, a key tenet of the DSA. The initial ruling in October favored Bits of Freedom, citing that Meta's design practices significantly disrupt user autonomy and contradict the DSA's objective of granting users genuine choice and control. While Meta was initially ordered to comply within two weeks, they received an extension until December 31, 2025, and subsequently appealed the decision. The appeal hearing took place on January 26, 2026, with a verdict expected on April 7, 2026. This ongoing legal battle highlights the European push for greater user control over digital platforms and data. The outcome of Meta's appeal will have significant implications for how social media platforms operate within the EU and could set precedents for other cases challenging algorithmic content curation. The broader context involves the EU's commitment to enforcing its digital regulations and fostering a more user-centric online environment.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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