EU platform user-counting rules create legal uncertainty beyond Big Tech
By Sara Brandstätter ( August 13, 2026, 08:59 GMT | Comment) -- The EU’s method for counting platform users is creating legal uncertainty beyond current fee disputes involving Big Tech companies such as Meta and TikTok. For smaller and hybrid services, the lack of a clear counting methodology could determine whether they cross the EU's digital services law's 45 million-user threshold and come under direct commission supervision. Those questions are likely to become clearer once the EU court rules on pending challenges, and if that requires the commission to give more details on the calculation.The way online platforms count their users under the EU’s digital services law is turning into a broader legal headache for tech companies. ...
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