Meta challenges Ofcom fees and penalties in UK High Court
Meta has launched a High Court challenge in London over the way Ofcom calculates fees and potential penalties under the Online Safety Act.
The company says the regulator's approach is disproportionate and unlawful.
The case concerns rules introduced after the Online Safety Act came into force in July 2025, which require large tech firms to help fund Ofcom's online safety work.
Under regulations brought in in September, the fees are based on a company's qualifying worldwide revenue and apply to firms earning more than £250m a year.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also disputing how penalties are calculated when multiple companies owned by the same parent organisation are found jointly liable for breaches.
Under the law, companies that breach safety rules can face fines of up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue or £18m, whichever is greater.
The challenge matters because it could affect how much large online platforms pay to support the UK's online safety regime, and how future fines are assessed.
It also tests the regulator's interpretation of a law designed to cover a wide range of internet services.
In court documents, Meta's lawyers argued that Ofcom's method leaves a handful of companies bearing most of the costs, even though the act applies more broadly.
