Google, Meta, TikTok Win Lawsuit in Austria

On November 9, technology companies Google, Meta Platforms and social network TikTok won a legal battle over an Austrian law that requires the aforementioned technology companies and platforms to remove hate speech on social networks or face fines of up to $10.69 million.

The victory comes thanks to a ruling by the European Union's (EU) top court.

In an Austrian court, representatives of Google, Meta Platforms and TikTok argued that the Austrian law contravenes an EU regulation that says online service providers must only comply with the regulations of the country where they are established, and not the laws of the countries where they provide services.

The three companies, headquartered in Ireland, argued that they were only subject to Irish regulations.

The Austrian court then sought consultation with the Court of Justice of the EU, which ruled in favor of the three companies.

“Such a national approach is contrary to EU law, which guarantees the free movement of information services for society, through the principle of control in the Member State of origin of the service concerned,” the EU Court of Justice judge said in a statement. The ruling cannot be appealed.

In 2021, Austria enacted a law requiring major tech companies around the world to publish regular reports on illegal content appearing on their platforms.