Meta brings High Court challenge over Ofcom fees
Summary
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is taking the UK media regulator Ofcom to court over new fees and potential fines introduced by the Online Safety Act. Meta argues the way Ofcom calculates these charges is unfair, while Ofcom says it will defend its position.Key Facts
- The Online Safety Act started in July 2025 to protect users from harmful online content.
- Ofcom’s work on online safety is funded by fees from tech companies making more than £250 million a year worldwide.
- Meta challenges Ofcom’s fee calculations and penalty rules, calling them disproportionate and unfair.
- The dispute involves how worldwide revenue is counted and how penalties are shared between related companies.
- Ofcom can fine companies up to 10% of their qualifying worldwide revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher.
- Epic Games and an industry trade body may join the court case.
- The court will hold a full hearing in October after a preliminary hearing in June.
- Meta says penalties should be based only on revenue from services in countries where they operate, including the UK.
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