Google, Meta, TikTok face EU consumer complaints about handling of financial scams
Google, Meta, and TikTok are facing complaints from EU consumer groups regarding their handling of financial scams on their platforms. The complaints, submitted under the Digital Services Act, highlight concerns about the companies' failure to effectively remove fraudulent ads. Consumer groups are urging regulators to investigate and potentially impose fines for non-compliance with EU regulations.
- ▪The complaints were filed by the European Consumer Organisation and 29 members across 27 countries.
- ▪Consumer groups reported nearly 900 suspected scam ads, but only 27 percent were removed by the platforms.
- ▪Google and Meta defended their practices, stating they block a significant percentage of violating ads before they run.
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Google, Meta, TikTok face EU consumer complaints about handling of financial scamsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA Google spokesperson said the company blocks over 99 per cent of violating advertisements before they ever run.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 21, 2026, 09:04 PMUpdated May 21, 2026, 09:04 PMBRUSSELS – Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok were hit with complaints from European Union consumer groups on May 21 for allegedly failing to protect users from financial scams on their platforms.The move highlights growing pressure worldwide on Big Tech to do more to address the negative impacts of social media, particularly for children and vulnerable users.The complaints, filed by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 29 of its members in 27…
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