Consumer Advocates Criticize Google, Meta, and TikTok

Consumer advocates have accused Google, Meta, and TikTok of not adequately protecting their users from fraudulent fake shops and dubious coaching offers. These allegations were made during a press conference on May 22, 2026, where representatives from various consumer organizations held the platforms accountable. The criticism particularly targets the companies' insufficient measures to combat fake advertising. According to consumer advocates, many users on these platforms have already fallen victim to fraud, resulting in significant financial losses.

The organizations are calling on the EU Commission to impose strict penalties on the companies involved. A central point of the accusations is the claim that the platforms do not invest enough resources in verifying advertisements. This leads to fraudulent content being disseminated unchecked. Consumer advocates argue that the companies have a responsibility to protect their users from such risks. The consumer organizations have also presented specific figures that illustrate the scale of the problem.

A survey among users revealed that 37% of respondents have encountered fraudulent advertising. This figure indicates that the problem is widespread and requires urgent action. In addition to calls for penalties, consumer advocates are also demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the platforms' advertising policies. They propose that the companies should implement stricter criteria for approving advertisements to exclude fraudulent content from the outset. The EU Commission has already announced that it will investigate the allegations.

A spokesperson stated that the Commission takes the platforms' responsibilities seriously and will take all necessary steps to protect users. The investigation could lead to new regulations aimed at increasing transparency and safety in the online advertising market. The discussion about the responsibility of social media platforms regarding advertising is not new. Similar accusations have been made in the past, but often without significant consequences. However, the current demands could represent a turning point, as the EU Commission is increasingly under pressure to take effective action.

Consumer advocates have also highlighted the role of users, who are often not adequately informed about the risks. Many people are unaware of the dangers posed by fraudulent offers. This underscores the need for platforms to better educate their users and inform them about potential risks. The debate over the responsibility of platforms is expected to intensify in the coming months.

Consumer organizations have announced that they will continue their efforts to ensure that users' concerns are heard. Another step in this direction could be a petition directed at the EU Commission. The EU Commission plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current advertising policies by the end of 2026. This assessment could lead to far-reaching changes in the handling of online advertising.