London, October 30, 2026: Meta, TikTok and X have lost a High Court challenge against information requests issued by UK communications regulator Ofcom under the Online Safety Act, strengthening the watchdog’s authority to demand detailed information about how major platforms handle harmful and illegal content.
High Court Rejects Tech Companies’ Challenge
The companies had challenged notices issued by Ofcom in February that required them to provide extensive information about their content-moderation systems.
The requests included data on how much content platforms remove or restrict and how frequently users encounter potentially harmful material.
Companies Called Requests Disproportionate
Meta, TikTok and X argued that Ofcom’s demands were too broad and placed excessive regulatory burdens on the platforms.
X reportedly told the court that complying with the information request could cost the company millions of pounds.
Court Backs Ofcom’s Powers
The High Court rejected the companies’ arguments, giving Ofcom an important victory in one of the first major legal tests of its powers under Britain’s Online Safety Act 2023.
The decision reinforces the regulator’s ability to collect company data while assessing whether online platforms are complying with safety obligations.
Online Safety Act Targets Harmful Content
The UK’s Online Safety Act places significant responsibilities on social-media platforms and other digital services.
The law is intended to strengthen protections against illegal and harmful online material, with particular emphasis on safeguarding children and younger users.
Companies Could Face Heavy Fines
Serious violations of the Online Safety Act can result in penalties of up to 10% of qualifying global revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher.
That gives Ofcom substantial enforcement powers over some of the world’s largest technology companies.
Ofcom Welcomes Court Decision
Ofcom welcomed the ruling and said obtaining accurate information from online platforms is essential for carrying out its regulatory responsibilities.
The watchdog has argued that access to internal platform data is necessary to understand how companies identify, moderate and restrict harmful content.
Meta and TikTok Respond to Ruling
Meta said it was disappointed by the judgment, while TikTok said it was considering the ruling.
X did not immediately comment following the High Court decision.
Tech Firms Continue to Challenge UK Regulations
The ruling does not end the broader legal disputes between technology companies and UK regulators.
Meta is separately challenging aspects of Ofcom’s fee and fine calculations and has also disputed the way services including WhatsApp are categorised under the Online Safety Act.
The judgment is likely to be closely watched by other online platforms as Britain continues implementing one of the world’s most far-reaching digital-safety regulatory regimes.
Source: Reuters, The Guardian
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