Protests and Legal Challenges
The proposed text allowed bots to index and analyze domains linked to business accounts. Critics feared Meta would use this data to build competing AI services. No compensation was offered for the extracted content.
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Pelosi Looks Back, Sees Democratic Triumph AheadIn Norway, a court granted a provisional order suspending the new terms on October 28. This followed a request from 180 Norwegian media companies. The Norwegian Media Business Association (MBL) backed the case. Its member newspapers represent about 97% of printed press circulation in Norway.
European Legal Actions
Lene Eltvik Vindfeld, MBL board chair, said the court accepted their view. She noted Meta holds a dominant position in the relevant market. The new terms were deemed unreasonable.
In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced an investigation on October 30. The CMA is concerned that Meta’s demand for news editors to accept these terms could constitute an illegal imposition of unreasonable commercial conditions.
Meta’s Response and Revisions
Meta maintains the new terms do not change how it uses web robots. A spokesperson, Andy Stone, wrote on X on October 16 that the update aims to extract accurate product information for ad recommendations. This was after Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab published a report. The report warned the terms could justify scraping news sites for AI training.
Following the report, Meta removed the word „train” from the updated text. On October 29, Meta stated it is listening to feedback. Existing terms remain in effect for now. Stone posted that Meta values its partners and will consult industry groups before policy changes.
European critics find Meta’s changes insufficient. MBL is not satisfied with the delay. Randi S. Øgrey, MBL CEO, warned that weakening independent news media finances puts media diversity at risk. She listed three demands: respect editors’ opt-outs, require voluntary paid agreements for AI use, and avoid marginalizing editors who refuse the new terms.
Industry Demands and Future Outlook
The Movement for an Open Web called the delay a significant victory. Tim Cowen from MOW warned this is only the beginning. If regulators do not act quickly, tech giants will continue using their market power in this way.
The European Commission confirmed it discussed the proposed terms with Meta. It welcomed the delay in their entry into force.