Meta must allow users in the Netherlands to set a chronological, non-algorithmic feed as the default on Instagram and Facebook, a court in Amsterdam has ruled.

The case was brought by digital rights group Bits of Freedom, which argued that Meta’s current design violates the European Digital Services Act (DSA). The court agreed, saying users must have genuine control over how content is presented.

At present, both apps offer a chronological timeline, but the feature is hidden and cannot be made the default. The court said this undermines the autonomy promised by the DSA.

“Meta Ireland must make users’ chosen recommendation settings on Instagram and Facebook permanent,” the court said.

“The setting must remain in place if a user navigates to another section of the platform or closes and reopens the app or website. Meta Ireland must also ensure that the option for a non-profiled timeline is directly and easily accessible on the homepage and in the Reels section of both Instagram and Facebook.”

Meta has two weeks to adapt its apps for Dutch users. If it fails to comply, the company faces a penalty of €100,000 per day, up to a maximum of €5 million.

Bits of Freedom said the case was prompted by concerns that algorithmic feeds could influence voters in upcoming elections. But the judge ruled the change must apply permanently, not just during the campaign period.

Bits of Freedom spokeswoman Maartje Knaap said the ruling showed why legal intervention was necessary.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that a few American tech billionaires decide how we see the world,” she said. “That concentration of power poses a risk to our democracy. At the same time it is disappointing that we need the court to make Meta obey the law.”

The court said that Meta’s design choices steer users towards personalised feeds, which generate more advertising revenue, while making the alternative harder to find. People who did select a chronological feed lost access to some features, and the apps always reverted to the algorithmic version on restart.

“The ruling shows that Meta is not untouchable,” said Knaap. “But we are realistic. This is only a drop in the ocean. Much more still needs to be done.”

The decision only applies in the Netherlands, even though the underlying law is European. Meta was not immediately available for comment.