A top adviser to the European Union’s highest court has backed Italy in its legal dispute with Meta Platforms. This development could reshape how national governments enforce regulations on tech giants like Meta across the EU.
The Core of the Dispute
Italy accused Meta of violating national obligations—likely involving tax reporting or regulatory compliance. The company argued that Ireland, where it is headquartered in the EU, should handle such issues. This strategy is common among tech firms, who often cite EU single-market rules to avoid action from other countries.
However, Italian authorities insisted they had the right to enforce their national laws on companies operating within their borders.
What the EU Court Adviser Said
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice issued a strong opinion favoring Italy. He stated that individual EU countries can take action against companies like Meta—even if their official headquarters is located in another member state.
This advisory opinion is non-binding, but it carries weight. Historically, the court follows such opinions in the majority of cases.
What This Means for Meta and Other Tech Firms
If the court upholds this opinion, the impact could be huge. National regulators across Europe would gain more power to directly enforce their own laws. Companies like Meta would no longer be shielded by the location of their EU base.
Moreover, this could lead to a wave of new cases. Countries frustrated with delays through Ireland’s regulators may now act independently. As a result, tech companies would face stronger, more direct scrutiny across multiple fronts.
The EU court adviser’s support for Italy sends a clear message: Big Tech can no longer rely on jurisdictional loopholes to avoid responsibility. While the final ruling is still pending, the outcome could mark a shift in how Europe holds tech giants accountable—one country at a time.
