Meta to stop selling political ads in the EU from October

In a significant move prompted by new European Union regulations, Meta announced it will cease selling and displaying political advertisements within the EU starting this October. The company described the legislative requirements as "unworkable," stating in a recent blog post that the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) law imposes extensive and complex obligations, creating substantial legal uncertainty for both advertisers and platforms operating in the region. The TTPA, adopted by the European Commission in 2024, mandates that advertisers clearly label political ads, disclose sponsorship details, and provide information regarding the costs and targeting methods used. Additionally, it restricts the use of personal data for political advertising unless explicit consent is granted by individuals, and it prohibits profiling based on sensitive personal information such as racial or ethnic origins. Meta, which relies heavily on advertising for revenue, concluded that complying with these stringent requirements would necessitate altering its services to the detriment of both advertisers and users. The tech giant expressed concern that such regulatory measures ultimately diminish market choices and competition. Google, another major player in the advertising space, has echoed Meta's sentiments, announcing its own decision to halt political ad sales in the EU by October due to similar operational challenges posed by the new law. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing conflict between the EU and Big Tech, as the bloc intensifies its efforts to regulate the influence of these powerful platforms, amid ongoing discussions surrounding AI legislation, competition enforcement, and advertising regulations.