Meta sues Ofcom over fines regime for breaches of Online Safety Act
Summary
Meta has filed a legal challenge against the UK regulator Ofcom over how it calculates fees and fines under the Online Safety Act. Meta argues that fines based on global revenue instead of UK-specific revenue are unfair, and the case will be heard in October.Key Facts
- Meta owns Facebook and Instagram.
- Ofcom can fine companies up to 10% of their qualifying worldwide revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher.
- Meta reported $201 billion in revenue last year, meaning a potential fine could reach $20 billion.
- Ofcom bases fees on a company's global revenue (Qualifying Worldwide Revenue or QWR).
- Meta wants fees and fines to be based only on revenue from services used in the UK.
- The legal hearing for Meta’s challenge is scheduled for October 13-14.
- Ofcom says its fee system follows the law and will defend it strongly.
- Subscription fees and fines under the Online Safety Act help fund Ofcom’s work, shifting income to tech companies like Meta.
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