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UK Regulator Investigates Meta’s Proposed Use Of Publishers’ Content

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 2, 2026

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Meta over proposed changes to its terms for news publishers, raising concerns about the use of media content and the company’s market power. Meta has postponed the changes, originally scheduled to take effect on November 20.

CMA Examines Meta’s Use Of Media Content

Under the proposed terms, Meta could access content published on news websites and use it to develop its own products, including artificial intelligence features.

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Regulators will assess whether these changes impose unfair conditions on publishers and advertisers, particularly given Meta’s market position.

“We’ve heard concerns from news publishers and other businesses and are acting swiftly to investigate whether Meta’s proposed changes may breach competition law,” CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said.

Thousands of UK businesses rely on Meta’s platforms to reach customers and audiences. Responding to the investigation, a Meta spokesperson said the company had “already committed not to change our terms without consulting publishers and other stakeholders” and welcomed the opportunity to explain its approach.

Publishers Challenge Meta Across Europe

Resistance to Meta’s approach to media content is also growing in other markets. Since May, more than 340 news websites, including those of The Guardian, The New York Times and USA Today, have blocked internet archive crawler bots over concerns that their content could be collected for AI training.

In Norway, a court temporarily barred Meta from enforcing its new terms after ten media organisations challenged the changes.

France has also taken action. The Paris Appeals Court upheld an order requiring Meta to negotiate in good faith with French publishers over payments for using their content, rejecting the company’s challenge.

Back in July, France’s competition authority said Meta’s conduct could constitute an abuse of its dominant position and ordered negotiations over neighbouring-rights payments. Publishers had complained that renewal talks had stalled while Meta continued using their content after agreements expired.

Judges also criticised Meta for providing fragmented and difficult-to-verify data on its use of media content. The DVP publishers’ association, which includes AFP, called the rulings a “major development”. Meta said it was disappointed and was considering its next steps.

A Wider Test Of Platform Power

At the heart of the dispute are questions of content rights, transparency and compensation. News organisations argue that digital platforms benefit from journalism at scale while offering limited insight into how it is used or opportunities to negotiate fair terms.

The CMA’s investigation could help clarify how competition law applies when dominant technology companies set conditions for using media content in products such as AI services.

Separately, Meta is facing scrutiny over its platform design and alleged effects on children and teenagers. The company is due to appear in a US court alongside Snap in a case concerning those claims.

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Cyta Plans €70 Million Investment Budget For 2027, Including Renewable Energy Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 2, 2026

Cyprus telecommunications provider Cyta has budgeted €70 million for investments in 2027, with funding earmarked for a new data center and an initial move into renewable energy. The investment budget is 75% higher than the €40 million allocated for 2026.

According to an explanatory note accompanying the budget submitted to Parliament, the funds will support subsidiaries responsible for delivering two major projects. The budget does not specify how much will go toward each project.

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A New Data Center And A Renewable Energy Business

The first project is a new data center, which Cyta expects to complete over two years. The organization says the facility will serve its customers, Cyprus-based businesses, government and other public-sector bodies, as well as customers abroad.

The second project involves renewable energy. Cyta plans to enter the energy market commercially, including by meeting the power needs of its new data center. The budget provides no further details about the scale or structure of the energy investment.

Parliament cleared the way for Cyta to operate in the energy sector last March, approving legislation that allows the organization to participate through renewable energy sources. An amendment passed by a majority bars it from investing in conventional fuels. The move was opposed by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, or EAC.

Cyta has said it intends to focus on consumers who cannot readily access renewable energy themselves. Its target groups include young couples renting homes, apartment residents and small businesses that lack suitable space to install their own solar panels.

Pension Fund Deficit Continues To Grow

The budget also highlights a widening actuarial deficit in Cyta’s employee pension scheme. A recent actuarial study put the funding shortfall at €211.56 million as of December 31, 2025, up from €140.07 million a year earlier and €85.59 million at the end of 2023.

In response, Cyta’s board increased the annual contribution rate to 4.6%, from 3.9%, and approved a schedule of payments intended to clear the deficit over eight years. The organization will pay €30 million this year, followed by €23 million in 2027 and €25 million in 2028.

From 2029 through 2032, annual payments are set at €33.391 million. A final payment of €29.54 million is scheduled for 2033.

Revenue And Surplus Forecast To Rise

Cyta’s 2027 budget forecasts a pre-tax surplus of €40.09 million and a post-tax surplus of €34.92 million. The projected pre-tax surplus is 14.85% higher than in 2026, an increase of €5.2 million.

Revenue is forecast to reach €478.48 million in 2027, up 6.2% from €450.57 million in 2026. Budgeted expenses are €438.39 million, compared with €415.67 million this year.