Meta Challenges Ofcom Over UK Online Safety Act Compliance Rules

Meta has launched a legal challenge against the UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, over the classification of WhatsApp and Instagram under additional obligations of the Online Safety Act. The enhanced requirements include greater transparency, user controls, safeguards against fraudulent advertising and improved reporting of illegal content.

The move follows Meta’s earlier legal action in May challenging Ofcom’s methodology for calculating regulatory fees, particularly the use of global revenue as a basis. Under the Online Safety Act, companies can face fines of up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue or 18 million pounds, whichever is higher.

TikTok and X have also initiated legal proceedings concerning information-sharing requirements imposed by Ofcom. Meta stated that its challenges focus on specific aspects of regulatory implementation rather than the law itself, aiming to ensure proportionate and consistent application. Ofcom has acknowledged operating in a highly litigious environment as it works to enforce the legislation.