Meta loses appeals against French interim measures on press publishers' neighbouring rights

On 29 October 2026, the Paris Court of Appeals rejected Meta's appeals against two interim measures imposed in July 2026 by France's competition authority over media organisations' publishing rights. The measures require Meta to resume talks with media groups, provide them with information about the revenue of its social media platforms and the use of protected content, and not to degrade the manner of displaying content from the press.

Under EU law, print media may seek payment for the digital use of their content (neighbouring rights). A previous agreement between Meta and press associations determining the amount due expired in 2024, and the two sides have since failed to agree; French media have received no payment since 2025. Meta appealed the interim measures in August 2026.

The court said Meta's practices, specifically the methods used to determine the amounts payable as neighbouring rights to press publishers, may constitute an abuse of a dominant position under both European and French competition law. That is a statement about possible abuse in the price-setting method, not a final finding of infringement, and the interim measures remain in force while the underlying dispute continues. A Meta spokesperson said the company was disappointed, is assessing next steps, and will continue to comply with the interim measures and negotiate in good faith. DVP, one of the media associations, which includes Le Monde and Les Echos, welcomed the decision.