Meta faces fines in Netherlands over algorithm-first timelines
Although based on EU law, the ruling applies only in the Netherlands, highlighting both the possibilities and limits of national enforcement against Meta and other global digital platforms.
A Dutch court has ordered Meta to give Facebook and Instagram users in the Netherlands the right to set a chronological feed as their default.
The ruling follows a case brought by digital rights group Bits of Freedom, which argued that Meta’s design undermines user autonomy under the European Digital Services Act.
Although a chronological feed is already available, it is hidden and cannot be permanent. The court said Meta must make the settings accessible on the homepage and Reels section and ensure they stay in place when the apps are restarted.
If Meta does not comply within two weeks, it faces a fine of €100,000 per day, capped at €5 million.
Bits of Freedom argued that algorithmic feeds threaten democracy, particularly before elections. The court agreed the change must apply permanently rather than temporarily during campaigns.
The group welcomed the ruling but stressed it was only a small step in tackling the influence of tech giants on public debate.
Meta has not yet responded to the decision, which applies only in the Netherlands despite being based on EU law. Campaigners say the case highlights the need for more vigorous enforcement to ensure digital platforms respect user choice and democratic values.
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