Tech giant Meta has been granted a reprieve by the Amsterdam Court of Appeals from modifying its Facebook and Instagram platforms, following a lawsuit filed by Bits of Freedom. The digital civil rights organization demanded in October that Meta give users more control over their timelines; for example, users should be able to choose a timeline that is not based on profiling and decide for themselves whether to set it as default. The judge initially agreed with Bits of Freedom and forced Meta to modify the apps within two weeks. Meta argued that this was technically impossible and asked for an extension until the end of January 2026, but is now granted an extension until Dec. 31, 2025.
At the heart of the case is the Digital Services Act (DSA), new EU regulations that aim to give users more control over how major online platforms present information. Bits of Freedom argues that Meta imposes the algorithm as a standard, ignores innovation and freedom of choice, and thus hinders democratic participation. Meta argues that technical obstacles prevent rapid adaptation, but the court puts the focus on actual autonomy and the public interest in free access to reliable information.
Bits of Freedom accuses Meta of not giving Dutch users autonomy over the content displayed, harming free access to public debate - especially problematic around elections. According to the organization, Meta's platform design violates the Digital Services Act, intended to give users control over large online platforms. In their ruling, the judges stressed the importance of ensuring user freedom not only during elections, but at all times.
The judge justified the postponement with the argument that short-term adjustments are technically difficult and that a temporary "quick" solution would be risky for the stability of the platforms. Still, Bits of Freedom calls the postponement "regrettable": "Especially around elections, as a user you want to get a grip on your information diet," said spokesperson Maartje Knaap. She emphasizes that Meta has no reason to sit back: "Meta is violating an important law, so the urgency of this case remains."
Although Meta must execute the judgment by Dec. 31, 2025, the appeal is ongoing in the meantime. The hearing is scheduled for January 2026. This makes the ruling an important precedent for stricter privacy enforcement and user rights in Europe.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | Bits of Freedom announces lawsuit. Supported by various civil society organizations such as Amnesty International and the Consumers Union, the summary proceedings are being prepared. |
| September 22, 2025 | Session in Amsterdam on Bits of Freedom's demands: users should be able to easily choose a non-profiled, chronological timeline on Facebook and Instagram, and set it by default. |
| October 2, 2025 | Court ruling: Bits of Freedom wins case. The court finds that Meta violates the Digital Services Act by not offering a persistent timeline choice. |
| Early October 2025 | Meta must adjust apps within two weeks so that users' preferences are preserved and do not automatically switch back to the algorithmic timeline after restart or navigation. |
| October 2025 | Meta requests postponement until January 2026 due to alleged technical and practical concerns. Bits of Freedom is critical of the postponement request and stresses urgency in election period. |
| October 27, 2025 | The court grants a reprieve to Meta, but limits it to Dec. 31, 2025. Meta must update apps by that date and give users freedom over their information diet. Appeal follows. |
| Jan. 26, 2026 | Appeal hearing between Bits of Freedom and Meta scheduled. During these proceedings, Meta should not delay implementation of the court ruling: immediate implementation is required. |
