Meta, TikTok, and X Challenge Ofcom Data Requests
Meta, TikTok, and X are legally challenging British regulator Ofcom over extensive data requests issued under the 2023 Online Safety Act.
Tech giants Meta, TikTok, and X are legally challenging Ofcom, the British regulator, over extensive data requests issued in February under the 2023 Online Safety Act. The companies argue that the information notices create unprecedented regulatory burdens. X described the request as the most burdensome it has received from any regulator in any jurisdiction, while Meta claimed the demand for granular information across seven of its services lacked a clearly defined regulatory purpose.
TikTok alleged that Ofcom bypassed an alternative monitoring regime that contained existing safeguards. Ofcom maintains the data is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the new regime, which aims to protect children from illegal and harmful content. The regulator noted that failure to comply with the Act can result in fines of up to 10% of a company's global turnover.
Legal hearings on the matter conclude Wednesday. Meta is expected to launch a separate legal challenge next week regarding the calculation of fees and penalties.
