The Lithuanian government’s attempt to compel Meta to hand over data from Instagram adn WhatsApp has been rejected, raising questions about the enforceability of the European Union’s Digital Services Act. This case marks one of the first notable challenges to regulators seeking information from major tech companies under the DSA, which took full effect for very large online platforms in August 2023[[1]]. The dispute centers on Lithuania’s inquiry into meta’s compliance wiht DSA provisions concerning content moderation and transparency [[2]].
Lithuanian Government Fails to Secure Instagram and WhatsApp Data from Meta
Lithuania’s government was unsuccessful in its attempt to compel Meta to provide data related to the social media platforms Instagram and WhatsApp, according to reports on February 26. The effort centered around obtaining information for an investigation into potential violations of European Union regulations.
The Lithuanian authorities sought access to data concerning the platforms’ compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA, which came into effect for very large online platforms on August 25, 2023, aims to create a safer digital space for users and outlines obligations for companies regarding content moderation, transparency, and user protection.
While the specifics of the requested data remain undisclosed, the government’s inability to secure it underscores the challenges faced by regulators in enforcing the DSA against major technology companies. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, has previously stated its commitment to complying with the DSA, but also emphasized its concerns regarding data privacy and the scope of regulatory requests.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future data requests from other EU member states seeking to enforce the DSA. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and the data protection policies of large technology firms.
The Lithuanian government has not yet commented on whether it will pursue further legal action to obtain the requested information.
