Dutch court orders Meta to offer persistent non-profiled timelines on Facebook & Instagram
A Dutch court has ordered Meta to change the timeline settings on Facebook and Instagram after finding that the platforms’ algorithmic, profiled recommendation feeds violated the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). The ruling requires Meta to provide users with an easy, direct option to switch to non-profiled timelines (for example, chronological feeds) that remain in place even after closing and reopening the apps.
Key points
- The court found users “are not sufficiently able to make free and autonomous choices about the use of profiled recommendation systems.”
- Meta must give a clear way for users to select and keep a chronological or otherwise non-profiled timeline instead of reverting to algorithmic recommendations.
- The case was brought by Bits of Freedom, a Dutch digital rights group; their spokesperson said it is unacceptable that a few tech billionaires decide how we view the world.
- Meta has said it will appeal and argued DSA enforcement should be handled by the European Commission and EU regulators, not national courts.
Some reports have mentioned potential daily fines if Meta fails to comply; media coverage has cited different figures. For official details and further reading, see the Reuters report linked below.
Why this matters
The DSA, adopted in 2022, aims to increase accountability of online platforms, improve user choice and transparency, protect minors, and reduce harmful online practices. This ruling could set a precedent for how social platforms present algorithmic recommendations across the EU.
What do you think?
Should social networks default to algorithmic feeds that maximize engagement, or should users be given simple, persistent choices to view content chronologically or without profiling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.