BoF demanded that users have more control over the information they see and stated that Meta violates European rules. The court ruled in early October that Meta must make it easier to choose a timeline on the two platforms, requiring the company to make adjustments to its platforms within two weeks.
The tech company appealed and also objected to the fact that the judgment had to be carried out immediately, because that would not be technically and practically feasible. A hearing on this matter was held at the court on Monday.
Substantiation
Lawyers from both parties have entered into discussions. Austin says that they have not been able to reach an agreement. According to her, BoF and Meta cannot agree on important points. “Meta indicates that they need more time to implement changes. We want them to substantiate why they need more time, but Meta does not provide that,” she says.
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The fact that Meta is asking the judge for a postponement of adapting its platforms is a delaying tactic, according to policy advisor Rejo Zenger of BoF. According to Zenger, experts claim that the adjustments can be made within two weeks. BoF says it bases itself, among other things, on statements from people who worked at Meta.
The preliminary relief judge previously ruled that the way in which Facebook and Instagram are now set up is partly in conflict with European digital rules. Within two weeks, Meta had to ensure that users on the platforms can also choose a timeline that is not based on profiling. Now, by default, users will see recommended messages based on their user profiles.