High Court rejects Meta, TikTok and X challenge to Ofcom

The High Court has rejected Meta, TikTok and X’s challenge to information notices issued by Ofcom, allowing the UK regulator to continue seeking data on how the platforms moderate harmful content under the Online Safety Act. The written judgment refused the companies’ request to quash the notices. Issued in February, they seek information including how many posts were removed or had their visibility restricted, and how many users were exposed to harmful content. The requested material also covers moderation activity involving children, according to reporting on the notices. The companies argued that gathering the data would impose substantial burdens, cost millions of pounds and exceed Ofcom’s legal powers. Their lawyers also challenged whether the requests were proportionate. The judges found the companies had not sufficiently explained why the notices would be onerous and rejected their argument that the requests were irrational. Ofcom said information from platforms is fundamental to assessing whether they comply with their duties. The regulator has said the data will help it assess the scale of risks to users and whether harmful content is reducing. It welcomed the...