Meta adjusts Facebook, Instagram timelines after court ruling; Some changes missing

Facebook and Instagram users can now select either a timeline with posts from accounts they follow or one curated by an algorithm in the Netherlands. The court ruled that users must be able to adjust their timelines easily and that their choice should remain even when moving to other parts of the platforms.

Bits of Freedom has welcomed the changes. According to a spokesperson for the digital rights organization, which focuses on civil liberties and privacy, the remarks come on the last day Meta was allowed to introduce the required modifications.

The changes are expected to be visible to all by Thursday. BoF will monitor compliance and, if Meta fails to follow the ruling, “we will not hesitate to return to court,” the spokesperson warned.

Earlier, the organization claimed that Meta breached European rules and sought a summary judgment requiring Facebook and Instagram users to have greater control over what appears on their timelines.

In October, the District Court in Amsterdam ordered Meta to modify its platforms within two weeks to allow users to more easily choose a particular timeline. Meta appealed, and the court of appeal has now granted additional time for these changes.

The spokesperson stated, “It’s encouraging that Meta has begun taking steps to comply with the law.” He noted that some users might not notice all the changes yet, since Meta is rolling them out gradually.

BoF’s first review of Meta’s updates indicates that many adjustments meet the court’s requirements. However, some changes are still lacking. On Facebook, users cannot easily modify their Reels preferences, and Instagram’s website does not remember the choices users have made, according to BoF.

The appeal in the case against Meta is scheduled for January, and BoF is approaching it with full confidence. “Meta’s breaches are unmistakable, as the court itself has confirmed,” the organization said.