Meta Platforms, Inc. has submitted its third annual compliance report under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to the European Commission on March 6, 2026. This report, alongside a public summary and an independently audited overview of its consumer profiling techniques, spans 79 pages and serves as a comprehensive record of significant adjustments made by the tech giant to align with European regulations governing digital markets.
Andre Mintz, DMA Head of Compliance at Meta, announced the filings via a LinkedIn post, expressing pride in the ongoing efforts to comply with DMA regulations. The compliance report details the evolution of Meta’s advertising, data policies, and technical infrastructure across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Meta Ads.
Insights into the 2026 Compliance Report
The submitted documents elucidate Meta’s responsibilities under Articles 5, 6, and 7 of the DMA in relation to its designated core platform services (CPSs): Facebook, Instagram, Meta Ads, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. Notably, Facebook Marketplace is no longer classified as a core service, a change Meta has welcomed, having communicated this position to the Commission.
The document outlines varying degrees of compliance with DMA articles. While some obligations are listed as fully compliant, the focus on Article 5(2)—dealing with consent for data combination—and Article 7 concerning messaging interoperability received significant attention. These sections illustrate the substantial changes made throughout the compliance period of 2025-2026.
Personalized Advertising Dispute and Associated €200 Million Fine
A contentious focal point in the report is Article 5(2), which concerns the combination of personal data across Meta’s platforms for targeted advertising. Meta debuted its Subscription for No Ads service in November 2023, a measure intended to conform to Article 5(2). However, the Commission deemed this model non-compliant, leading to ongoing disputes between Meta and regulators, which culminated in a €200 million fine in April 2025—a decision Meta is actively appealing.
In response to regulatory feedback, Meta also introduced the Less Personalized Ads option, designed to utilize 90% less data than personalized ads. Since January 2026, users have been given a choice between personalized and less personalized ad formats, with the latter being non-dismissible, thereby reshaping ad experience across the EU.
WhatsApp Ads Set to Launch in Europe
The most significant revelation from the 2026 report is the imminent rollout of advertising on WhatsApp Channels and Status in the EU. According to the report, Meta has assured the European Commission that it is ready to introduce these ad formats “in the coming weeks.” Personal messages and calls will remain end-to-end encrypted, thus assuring users that their privacy is intact.
This announcement follows a global June 2025 announcement regarding WhatsApp Status ads, which leverage data from connected Facebook and Instagram accounts to target the platform’s vast user base. With a potential influx of payments for ad placements on this popular messaging platform, advertisers now have a new arena for engaging with their audience.
Integration of WhatsApp into Accounts Center for Cross-App Data Consent
Another vital update from the compliance report is the incorporation of WhatsApp into Meta’s Accounts Center, allowing users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to manage consent for data sharing across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This integration aims to provide users with clearer choices regarding their data, enhancing transparency in advertising practices across the platforms.
Advancements in Messaging Interoperability
The report highlights Meta’s strides in complying with Article 7, which mandates that basic features of its messaging services be interoperable with third-party platforms. Partnerships with services such as BirdyChat and Haiket enable users to send messages across platforms while maintaining security features.
Data Portability Consolidation: Introducing Export Your Information
Meta has also made enhancements to data portability under Article 6(9) by consolidating two previous tools into a single, streamlined tool known as Export Your Information (EYI). This tool now supports multiple export modes, facilitating easier data transfer to third-party services.
Increased Ad Transparency with Enhanced Data
Under Articles 5(9), 5(10), and 6(8), Meta confirms that its Ads Manager provides over 350 distinct data points to clients, enhancing transparency in ad spending and performance metrics. These developments aim to bolster advertiser accountability and strategic planning.
New Ad Auction Structure Ensures Transparency
Meta has also reported that its ad auction mechanism now treats organic promotions with the same criteria as third-party advertisers, reinforcing equal opportunity within its advertising ecosystem.
Ensuring Non-Competitive Use of Business User Data
The compliance report states that Meta has found no evidence of using non-public data from business users against their interests, backed by a stringent pre-launch product review process.
Concluding Insights
The implications of the 2026 DMA compliance reports resonate deeply for advertisers within the EU. The evolving landscape of advertising strategies, driven by stringent regulations and user consent mechanisms, necessitates adaptive planning for achieving accountability and effectiveness in campaigns. As Meta continues to navigate its regulatory challenges, the outcome of the €200 million fine appeal and ongoing compliance efforts will undoubtedly influence the future of personalized advertising across Europe.
For more insights on the developments, visit the full report on PPC Land.
