A Dutch court reportedly ordered Meta Platforms to change the way Instagram and Facebook present content to users, taking aim at the company’s algorithm practices.
According to Reuters, the court ruled Meta Platforms must offer simpler options on user timelines that do not focus on making profit for the company, mainly ensuring the platforms’ do not rely on algorithms.
It further argued that the design of both platforms go against the principles of the European Union Digital Services Act (DSA), and it has been given two weeks to offer users a direct and simple way to opt out of timelines that offer recommended content.
A chronological based timeline must be offered, added the court.
In its decision, the court explained “people in the Netherlands are not sufficiently able to make free and autonomous choices about the use of profiled recommendation systems”.
The case was launched by digital rights group Bits of Freedom. Spokesperson for the group Maartje Knaap said it was “unacceptable a few American tech billionaires can determine how we view the world”.
Meta Platforms, which has stated it will appeal the decision, faces a fine of up to $5.8 million if it does not comply.
The case in the Netherlands is the company’s latest row in Europe. It is also facing heat from the European Commission over failing to remove illegal content on Facebook and Instagram.
Source: Mobile World Live
