Meta faces UK investigation into terms for publishers’ content
The CMA is examining possible abuse of a dominant position. The changes are paused and no infringement finding has been made.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into Meta’s commercial terms on 30 October 2026. It will assess whether the company holds a dominant position in a relevant UK market and whether its existing or revised terms amount to abuse of that position.
Content and AI at issue
The authority says the terms could allow Meta to collect content from the websites of businesses and publishers using its services and use it for its own products, including artificial intelligence features. Its concern is whether businesses have a meaningful choice over that use or must accept unfair conditions to reach their audiences.
These are questions under investigation, not a finding of infringement. The CMA will gather evidence from Meta and third parties. Its case file gives an indicative initial information-gathering period from October 2026 to January 2027, with dates subject to change.
Implementation paused
The original 30 October start had been delayed to 20 November following engagement with the CMA. The authority records that Meta then announced a pause on 28 October, pending consultation with industry groups. The 20 November date is therefore not presented as a confirmed restart.
In ERTnews’ accessible report, citing ANA-MPA and AFP, a Meta spokesperson disputes the basis for a competition investigation and reiterates a commitment to consultation before changes.
Meta One is separate
The CMA is also seeking information about the Meta One subscription service and small businesses’ concerns over external links. It says this falls outside the investigation opened today and that it has not decided whether to take formal action on that separate issue.
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