By Andri Daniel
Tech giant Meta has announced it will suspend all political, electoral and social issue advertising on Facebook and Instagram within the European Union from 6 October 2025, citing legal uncertainty and operational challenges stemming from the EU’s new regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA).
The company said the decision was taken in response to the TTPA, which introduces strict requirements on transparency, targeting, and data use in online political advertising - measures Meta claims are difficult to implement in practice.
“This was a difficult decision,” Meta stated, “but the new EU rules pose significant operational challenges and legal uncertainties that make it untenable to offer these services responsibly within the Union.”
No impact outside the EU
Meta clarified that the restriction applies only within the EU. In other markets, the company will continue offering its “industry-leading tools” to ensure political advertising is transparent and accountable. Users and political figures in Europe can still post and engage with political content organicallym they simply won’t be able to promote it through paid ads.
The platform warned that the ban will affect not only political campaigns but also social organisations and voter education initiatives, arguing that personalised advertising is a vital tool in helping voters make informed decisions.
What the EU regulation entails
The TTPA, passed by the EU Council in March 2024, comes into effect in autumn 2025, with the goal of combating disinformation and foreign interference during elections and referenda.
Under the regulation:
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All political ads must be clearly labelled and include a “transparency notice” disclosing the sponsor, target audience, funding source, and whether targeting techniques were used.
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Political targeting will only be allowed with explicit, separate consent from individuals.
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Use of sensitive personal data (e.g., political beliefs, ethnicity) for targeting is prohibited.
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Third-country entities will be barred from sponsoring ads within three months of any EU election or referendum.
The regulation applies only to advertising, not to organic content, political campaigning, or speech.
Reactions from Cyprus
With Cyprus heading towards parliamentary elections in 2026 and presidential elections in 2028, Politis reached out to Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to gauge initial reactions. The response ranged from strong support for transparency to concern over the consequences for political dialogue.
Loucas Fourlas (DISY, EPP): “Meta’s reaction is extreme”
Fourlas supports the regulation’s intent but argues the company’s response is disproportionate.“The EPP tried to moderate the regulation’s scope to avoid confusion or overreach,” he said. “Meta’s decision is excessive, particularly when the regulation was designed to ensure transparency, not to silence voices.”
Michalis Hadjipantela (DISY, EPP)
Hadjipantela supports the TTPA, calling it a critical safeguard for democratic integrity. “The regulation enhances transparency around who is funding and targeting political content. It’s not about censorship, it’s about accountability.”
He stressed that platforms must now accept their role in protecting democratic discourse and that enforcement must be uniform across all EU states.
George Georgiou (AKEL, The Left)
Georgiou underscored that while political advertising is legal, it can distort public perception. “Political ads can evolve into misinformation, especially when the source is concealed or content is deceptive,” he said, expressing firm support for the regulation’s strict transparency rules and limits on the use of personal data.
Kostas Mavrides (DIKO, S&D)
Mavrides warned the regulation’s broad scope could stifle public discourse. “Even NGO campaigns or messages about public policy might now fall under the category of political advertising,” he said. “This could narrow space for debate and harm the visibility of smaller political voices.”
He called for clearer guidelines from the European Commission to avoid ambiguity in enforcement.
Geadis Geadis (ELAM, NI)
Geadis recognised the intent to reduce foreign interference and financial manipulation but warned of unintended consequences. “Completely banning paid political ads may correct imbalances in campaign financing,” he said, “but risks going too far. Digital campaigning is now a core part of modern democracy.”
Meta Defends Its Position
Meta insists that digital political advertising plays a vital role in modern politics by offering candidates a cost-effective way to reach voters. “We’ve gone far beyond what’s legally required to ensure authenticity and transparency,” the company said. “But the TTPA introduces such complex requirements that continuing these services in the EU is no longer sustainable.”
Meta referred to past scandals such as Cambridge Analytica, but argued that the new regulation now places too heavy a burden on platforms and advertisers alike.