Meta, the powerhouse behind Facebook and Instagram, has launched a high-stakes legal battle against the UK media watchdog Ofcom. The dispute centers on fees and fines imposed under the stringent Online Safety Act, which came into effect in July 2025 to clamp down on harmful content online.
Controversy Over Fee Calculations and Penalties
The law mandates that tech giants fund Ofcom’s efforts to police online safety, with fees calculated based on each company’s qualifying worldwide revenue. These fees apply to firms generating more than £250 million annually. However, Meta argues that Ofcom’s method for determining these fees and potential fines is excessive and unfair.
Ofcom, in turn, has vowed to vigorously defend its fee structure and enforcement approach, underscoring its commitment to regulating internet services in the UK.
Meta Challenges Online Platforms and Search Engine Regulations
Meta’s legal challenge targets regulations that cover search engines and platforms enabling user-generated content, including social media networks. The company’s legal team contends these rules are unlawful and demands Ofcom review and revise its framework.
Legal Arguments Spotlight Disproportionate Burden
Monica Carss-Frisk KC, representing Meta, highlighted in court filings that Ofcom’s approach unfairly concentrates costs on a few dominant players like Meta. She stressed that the Online Safety Act aims to regulate a broad spectrum of internet services, yet the financial burden falls heavily on just a handful of companies.
Carss-Frisk also criticized the revenue calculation method, pointing out it fails to tie fees specifically to income generated from UK-based services, raising questions about the fairness and accuracy of the fee assessment.
