Meta must return to the negotiating table with French news publishers after the Paris Court of Appeal rejected the tech giant’s challenges against orders from the French Competition Authority, ruling that the platform’s refusal to pay for journalistic content inflicts immediate economic harm on an already struggling industry.
The Paris Court Rejection of Meta Appeals
The Paris Court of Appeal published two distinct rulings upholding the regulatory measures issued by the French competition watchdog. The judicial body determined that Meta’s ongoing conduct inflicts grave and immediate damage on the press sector amid severe structural financial difficulties.
$META – META LOSES APPEAL IN PARIS COURT OF APPEALS IN CASE WITH PUBLISHERS -COURT STATEMENT
The dispute stems from regulatory orders handed down on July 8, 2024, when the French Competition Authority directed Meta to engage in good-faith negotiations with newspapers and news agencies. The watchdog established that the platform’s compensation practices could constitute an abuse of a dominant market position.
Two major organizations representing hundreds of French media outlets, Apig and Dvp, originally brought the case forward. Meta allowed its licensing agreements with Dvp to lapse at the end of 2024, followed by a similar expiration of agreements with Apig in early 2025. Since those deadlines passed, publishers have received zero compensation while their journalistic content continues to circulate across Facebook and Instagram.
Publisher Reactions and Corporate Response
Representatives for the media coalitions welcomed the court’s confirmation.
The Dvp commented that this confirmation is an important step.
The Dvp coalition urged Meta to fully implement the obligations mandated by the regulatory authority.
A spokesperson for Meta declared that the company is disappointed by the judgments of the Paris Court of Appeal and is examining the next steps.
A spokesperson for Meta insisted that the company has consistently collaborated with both Apig and Dvp despite ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding neighboring rights. The group confirmed it will comply with the provisional measures ordered by regulators.
