France’s competition watchdog has ordered Meta to restart negotiations with French publishers over compensation for using their news content under the EU neighboring rights framework, amid a broader push to align tech platforms with press remuneration rules.

The dispute involves DVP and APIG, two French press associations representing major outlets like Le Monde and Les Echos, with negotiations stalled after a 2024 agreement expired and no payments issued since 2025.

This measure reflects a broader conflict between publishers and tech platforms, with AI training and content reuse emerging as new battlegrounds.

The case is part of wider scrutiny of Meta and other tech giants over negotiations with publishers for republishing content, rooted in the EU’s 2019 Copyright Directive and neighboring rights reforms.

regulators note ongoing regulatory developments and negotiations as of July 2026, with more details reserved for subscribers.

The dispute centers on neighboring rights in the EU, with publishers accusing Meta of abusing its dominant position by pushing its own fee calculation method and withholding data needed to evaluate proposed payments.

Complaints were filed by the General Information Press Alliance and the Society for Related Rights of the Press, representing hundreds of publications.

No fine was imposed in order to keep negotiations flexible and avoid anchoring talks to a fixed sum.

The 2024 agreement expired, payments stopped in 2025 due to disagreements over the due amount, harming member outlets while their content circulates on Meta’s platforms.

Meta has not commented publicly as regulators proceed with the case.

The case mirrors a wave of European disputes over how publishers’ content is used on social platforms and for AI training.

Regulators found negotiations lacked transparency, noting Meta’s refusal to consider alternative payment calculations and insufficient data sharing for publishers to assess proposals.