EU tells Facebook, Google and Twitter to do more for users
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe’s justice commissioner told Facebook (FB.O), Twitter (TWTR.N) and Google (GOOGL.O) on Thursday to do more to bring their user terms in line with EU law, ramping up pressure on the tech giants after their efforts were deemed too little.
The European Union executive and consumer protection authorities said the three companies have only partially addressed concerns about their liability and how users were informed about content removal or contract terminations.
The authorities across the bloc, who requested the changes last year, have the power to fine the firms if they do not comply.
European Commissioner Vera Jourova said the use of social media networks as advertising and commercial platforms meant they faced the same rules as offline service providers.
“EU consumer rules should be respected and if companies don’t comply, they should face sanctions,” Jourova said in a statement. “Some companies are now making their platforms safer for consumers; however, it is unacceptable that this is still not complete and it is taking so much time.”
Facebook said it had worked with EU authorities to make changes to its terms and to ensure greater transparency. It said further updates of the terms were planned later this year.