# UK regulator investigates Meta's terms for using business website content

The CMA case opened on 30 October, two days after the company paused a rollout planned for 20 November.

Published 6 November 2026 by EuGFA in The Briefing. Interests: Policy.

## What happened

The UK Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation into Meta's commercial terms for businesses on 30 October 2026. It is acting under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998, which prohibits abuse of a dominant position.

According to the CMA, the terms could let Meta collect content from the websites of businesses and publishers and use it in its own products, including its AI features. Meta had planned to revise the terms on 20 November. The CMA says Meta announced a pause on 28 October, pending a consultation with industry groups.

## Why it matters

Production companies, festivals and cinemas that advertise on Facebook and Instagram are business users of these terms. The CMA's concern is that requiring businesses to accept them may be an unfair trading condition. Meta's vice president of communications wrote on 28 October that the existing terms remain in place while the update is delayed.

## Still open

As of 6 November, Meta has named no new date and has not said which industry groups it will consult. The CMA's indicative timetable runs information gathering to January 2027; it may then close the case or issue a statement of objections. Nieman Lab reports that a Norwegian court blocked the terms after a lawsuit by Norwegian publishers; no primary page confirming the order could be opened.

## Read further

- [CMA case page: Meta's commercial terms](https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/suspected-abuse-of-a-dominant-position-in-relation-to-metas-commercial-terms)
- [CMA press release, 30 October 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-opens-investigation-into-metas-commercial-terms--2)
- [Nieman Lab on Meta's consultation pledge](https://www.niemanlab.org/2026/10/meta-pledges-to-consult-publishers-before-finalizing-its-new-terms/)