Since the beginning of this year, most Facebook and Instagram users in the Netherlands have been able to choose between two timelines. Do you want the timeline compiled by Meta, based on the profile they have created for you? Or do you want to see the posts from the accounts you follow in chronological order on your timeline? This choice is a direct result of the lawsuit won by Bits of Freedom against Meta.
Shortly after the preliminary relief judge's ruling in early October, Meta filed an appeal. She said she "fundamentally" disagreed with the ruling. The appeal hearing took place at the end of January. To our great surprise, Meta withdrew all substantive grounds for appeal one working day before the hearing. This is, of course, extremely disrespectful: both we and the judges had to prepare thoroughly for the hearing. All that work was now for nothing.
The consequence is that Meta is no longer disputing, from a legal standpoint, that it has violated the Digital Services Act (DSA). And that is, of course, a victory. This means we can assume that the changes Meta has had to implement at the court's behest are permanent. Users in other European countries will have to wait longer before they enjoy the same freedom, because the Dutch court can only determine what must happen in the Netherlands.
Read more on the Bits of Freedom website
