Meta Gets Extension for Algorithm-Free Facebook and Instagram

Court Grants Meta More Time for Algorithm-Free Timeline Implementation

Meta has been granted additional time to implement court-ordered changes that would give Facebook and Instagram users the option to choose algorithm-free timelines. The Amsterdam Court of Appeal has extended the deadline from the original two weeks to December 31, 2025, following Meta's request for more time due to what the company described as "practical and technical reasons."

Legal Battle Over Digital Services Act Compliance

The case originated on October 2, 2025, when digital rights organization Bits of Freedom successfully sued Meta for violating the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA). The court ruled that Meta must provide users with easily accessible options for non-algorithmic timelines that don't rely on profiling users' interests.

According to the DSA's Article 27, platforms must offer users functionality to select and modify their preferred recommendation options at any time, with these features being easily accessible from the interface where content prioritization occurs. The court found that while Meta technically offers chronological timeline options, they are difficult to find and cannot be set as default, violating the spirit of the regulation.

Mixed Reactions to the Extension

Bits of Freedom expressed disappointment with the court's decision to grant Meta additional time. "It is spijtig that the pressure on Meta has now disappeared to take immediate action," said Maartje Knaap of Bits of Freedom. "Meta is violating an important law, so the urgent nature of this case remains valid."

The timing is particularly sensitive given the upcoming Dutch national elections on October 29th, when users need maximum control over their information consumption. Digital rights advocates argue that algorithm-driven feeds can influence voter behavior and information access during critical democratic processes.

Technical Implementation Challenges

Meta claims that implementing the required changes within the original two-week timeframe was impossible due to the complexity of their platform architecture. The company must now ensure that users' chosen timeline settings remain permanent across app restarts and that non-profiled timeline options are easily accessible on homepages and Reels sections.

According to industry analysis, Meta's resistance to making chronological feeds more accessible stems from business concerns. Algorithm-driven feeds typically generate higher user engagement and advertising revenue, while chronological timelines might reduce the time users spend on the platforms.

Broader Implications for Tech Regulation

This case represents a significant test of the DSA's enforcement mechanisms and could set important precedents for how European regulators approach algorithmic transparency across major tech platforms. While the ruling currently applies only to Dutch users, the underlying European law means similar requirements could eventually extend across the EU.

Meta has also filed an appeal against the original October 2nd ruling, scheduled for January 26, 2026. However, despite the appeal, the company must still implement the court-ordered changes by the December 31, 2025 deadline.

The case highlights growing tensions between tech companies' business models and European regulatory efforts to protect user autonomy and digital rights. As digital rights advocates note, this ruling represents a milestone in holding major platforms accountable for giving users meaningful control over their online experiences.