Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has filed a legal challenge against Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, over the implementation of the Online Safety Act. The company argues that Ofcom has incorrectly classified its platforms under a stricter regulatory category that imposes additional obligations, such as greater transparency, more user controls, stronger measures against fraudulent advertising, and more detailed recording of illegal content. This challenge is part of a growing trend among tech companies, who are pushing back against what they see as overly burdensome regulations and high financial penalties. The dispute is part of a broader conflict between UK regulators and major US-based tech firms, including the Trump White House, over the financial framework set by the Online Safety Act. Meta previously challenged Ofcom in May, arguing that the regulator’s method of calculating fines and fees was flawed, as it was based on a company’s global revenue rather than its UK-specific income. Under the law, companies can face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher. Ofcom uses a portion of that revenue to fund its operations related to online safety. Other tech companies, including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), are also contesting aspects of the law, particularly the amount of information they must provide to Ofcom to enable the regulator to monitor their platforms effectively. A senior Ofcom official, Oliver Griffiths, told the House of Lords that the regulator is operating in a “highly litigious environment,” with multiple legal actions from companies challenging Ofcom’s data collection efforts. Griffiths emphasized that while the regulator is committed to enforcing the law, it must balance its goals with the risks of facing costly legal battles from well-funded firms. Meta’s spokesperson clarified that the company is not challenging the law itself but rather how Ofcom has interpreted and implemented it. They described the legal actions as a normal part of establishing a new regulatory framework, ensuring that the law is applied consistently and fairly. Meanwhile, UK Digital Secretary Lisa Nandy has pledged to keep updating internet-related laws to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. She warned that the government will need to be more proactive and interventionist in the future to effectively regulate the digital space.