UK probes Meta over ‘exploitative’ new terms for media

Meta’s new terms could allow it to access and use content from news publishers’ websites to develop and provide its own products, including its AI features.(AFP) — Britain’s competition watchdog opened an investigation Friday into whether Meta was imposing “exploitative” new terms allowing it to use media content for its own products, including artificial intelligence, without giving publishers adequate choice.The probe will examine whether the U.S. technology giant’s “terms and conditions” would “unfairly harm news publishers and other content businesses,” the Competition and Markets Authority said in a statement.The CMA said the new terms, which the parent company of Facebook and Instagram had planned to introduce Nov. 20 before putting them on hold, could amount to an abuse of its dominant market position.The watchdog will determine whether “Meta is abusing a dominant position by imposing exploitative terms on publishers and advertisers.”Meta’s new terms could allow it to access and use content from news publishers’ websites to develop and provide its own products, including its AI features.A Meta spokesperson said, “We’ve already committed not to change our terms without consulting publishers and other stakeholders.”“We welcome the opportunity to explain our approach to the CMA,” the spokesperson added.Thousands of U.K. businesses rely on Meta to reach customers and audiences, meaning an unfair imposition of the new terms could breach competition law.“We’ve heard concerns from news publishers and other businesses and are acting swiftly to investigate whether Meta’s proposed changes may breach competition law,” CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said.A Norwegian court this week temporarily banned Meta from enforcing the new user terms after 10 media outlets argued they would threaten their rights to their content.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads