Meta Challenges Ofcom In UK High Court Over Online Safety Fees
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has launched a legal challenge against UK media regulator Ofcom over fees and possible penalties introduced under the country’s Online Safety Act.
The case, currently before the High Court in London, centres on how Ofcom calculates regulatory fees and fines for major technology companies operating online platforms and search services.
The Online Safety Act, which came into effect in July 2025, introduced stricter rules aimed at protecting users from harmful online content. Under the law, tech firms are required to help fund Ofcom’s online safety operations.
Regulations introduced later in September state that the fees apply to companies earning more than £250 million annually and are calculated using qualifying worldwide revenue.
Meta argues that the regulator’s method of calculating both fees and penalties is unfair and disproportionate.
Lawyers representing the company said the current framework forces a small number of large firms to shoulder most of Ofcom’s operational costs, despite the law covering a broad range of internet services across the UK.
The company also challenged the use of global revenue figures rather than income generated specifically from UK-based services.
Under the Online Safety Act, companies found to have violated safety rules could face fines of up to 10 per cent of their qualifying worldwide revenue or £18 million, depending on which amount is higher.
Meta is additionally disputing the way penalties are applied when multiple subsidiaries under the same parent company are held jointly responsible for violations.
During a preliminary court hearing, the High Court was informed that gaming company Epic Games and trade association the Computer and Communications Industry Association may seek permission to join the case.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Chamberlain described the dispute as an issue of broad public importance and confirmed that the next hearing is scheduled for June, with a full hearing expected in October.
The legal challenge follows previous disputes surrounding the Online Safety Act. Last year, Wikipedia lost a separate challenge relating to age verification requirements introduced under the legislation.
Ofcom said it believes its approach is consistent with the law and indicated that it intends to strongly defend its position in court.
Meta, however, maintained that penalties should instead be tied to revenue generated by the specific services being regulated within the countries where they operate.
