Dutch ruling orders Meta to offer algorithm-free Facebook, Instagram feeds

WEB DESK: A Dutch court has ordered Meta to adjust the way Facebook and Instagram display timelines, ruling that the current algorithm-driven format breaches the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

The court found that people in the Netherlands are not given enough freedom to make “free and autonomous choices” about the recommendation systems shaping what they see online. Instead of repeatedly pushing users back to algorithmic feeds, Meta must now offer simple alternatives such as a chronological timeline or other non-profiled options.

The case was brought forward by Bits of Freedom, a Dutch digital rights group that has long campaigned against the dominance of algorithmic feeds. “It is unacceptable that a few American tech billionaires can determine how we view the world,” said Maartje Knaap, the organisation’s spokesperson.

Meta plans to appeal

Meta has said it will challenge the ruling, arguing that issues tied to the DSA should be addressed by the European Commission and EU regulators rather than through national courts. “Proceedings like this threaten the digital single market and the harmonised regulatory regime that should underpin it,” a company spokesperson said.

If Meta does not comply, it could face fines of €110,000 (around $117,450) for every day of delay, with penalties capped at €5.5 million (roughly $5.8 million).

DSA puts big tech under scrutiny

The Digital Services Act, which came into effect in 2022, has already forced sweeping changes across major platforms. It requires large tech firms to curb harmful content, protect minors, and give users more control over their data and online experience.

The European Commission has fined Apple, Alphabet and Meta hundreds of millions of dollars for violations, making the law one of the toughest challenges Silicon Valley companies face in Europe.

For Dutch users, the court’s decision means Facebook and Instagram will soon need to hand more control back to them, reducing reliance on algorithmic feeds that critics say distort how people consume news and information.