EU Demands Info from Meta on CrowdTangle Discontinuation

The European Commission has formally requested additional information from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, regarding the recent discontinuation of its analysis tool, CrowdTangle. This request is part of the Commission's enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to enhance transparency and accountability among digital platforms. The Commission is particularly interested in understanding how researchers will access publicly available data on Facebook and Instagram moving forward, as well as how Meta plans to update its election monitoring and civil discourse functions. The proceedings against Meta were initiated in late April, with ongoing concerns about the lack of effective tools for monitoring civil discourse and elections. Critics have expressed dissatisfaction with Meta's alternatives to CrowdTangle, which they argue offer diminished information and functionality. The abrupt shutdown of CrowdTangle has raised alarms among researchers and watchdogs who relied on the tool for real-time insights into online discussions and electoral activities. Meta has indicated that it will introduce new tools to replace CrowdTangle, but skepticism remains regarding their effectiveness. The European Commission has set a deadline of September 6 for Meta to respond to its information request. Failure to provide accurate or complete information could result in significant fines for the company, underscoring the DSA's commitment to ensuring platforms act responsibly in managing content. The DSA aims to expedite the removal of illegal content from online platforms, reflecting a broader effort to regulate digital spaces and protect users from harmful material.