A Dutch court has mandated that Meta provide Facebook and Instagram users with more accessible chronological feed options, marking a significant challenge to the company’s algorithm-driven business model. The October 3, 2025 ruling stems from a case brought by digital rights group Bits of Freedom, claiming Meta violates Article 27 of the EU Digital Services Act.
The court found that while Meta offers chronological timeline options in both apps, these alternatives aren’t “directly and easily accessible” as required by EU regulations. Currently, users must navigate through menus to access non-algorithmic feeds, and these preferences don’t remain as defaults when reopening the apps.
Why This Matters for Users
Meta has two weeks to implement a simple opt-out mechanism for algorithmic content, though the company plans to appeal. According to Bits of Freedom, Meta’s current design intentionally steers users toward algorithm-defined feeds that maximize exposure to interest-based advertising—the core of Meta’s revenue model.
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri previously defended algorithmic feeds, stating that testing showed users actually engage less and report lower satisfaction with chronological timelines over time. Meta argues that algorithm-based feeds enhance user experience despite public perception favoring chronological content.
Broader Implications for Social Media
The ruling could set precedent across Europe, forcing social platforms to reconsider how they present content. Critics argue that engagement-driven algorithms amplify divisive content by prioritizing emotional responses, particularly fear and anger. Former Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen advocated for eliminating engagement-based ranking to reduce social media-fueled division.
If upheld, this decision could provide the first large-scale test of whether non-algorithmic feeds genuinely improve social media environments, despite potential revenue impacts for platforms.