Political Advertising Ban on Meta Platforms Faces Scrutiny as Belgian Politicians Continue Sponsorships

Despite a ban implemented last October prohibiting political advertising on Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram), several Belgian politicians are reportedly continuing to sponsor their accounts, raising questions about enforcement and compliance. The issue involves prominent figures from the N-VA party and members of Anders (formerly Open VLD), prompting criticism from the Défi party.

Background: The Ban on Political Advertising

In October of last year, Meta announced a ban on political advertising across its social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This decision aimed to address concerns surrounding transparency and potential manipulation during election periods. The move impacted Belgian political parties, who had previously spent significant sums – tens of millions of euros – on targeted advertising campaigns to reach voters directly through these platforms. Parties like Vlaams Belang, the PTB, and Les Engagés had heavily relied on this strategy in the lead-up to the June and October 2024 elections.

Recent Findings: Continued Sponsorships

Recent reports indicate that the president of the N-VA party and members of Anders are still sponsoring their accounts on Meta platforms. This practice directly contradicts the stated ban on political advertising. Défi has voiced its concerns, suggesting a lack of effective enforcement by Meta. Le Soir reported on this development on February 19, 2026.

Legal Challenges: Andersen v. Meta Platforms, Inc.

Meta Platforms, Inc. Is currently involved in legal proceedings, specifically the case of Andersen v. Meta Platforms, Inc. Et al (4:25-cv-02921) in the California Northern District Court. The case was filed on March 28, 2025, and involves multiple defendants including ByteDance, Inc., TikTok, Inc., and Instagram, LLC. As of February 18, 2026, the civil case was terminated per stipulation, following a joint stipulation filed on September 12, 2025. PacerMonitor provides details on the case docket.

Anders Party Shifts in Brussels Government Formation

In a separate development, the Flemish liberal party Anders has signaled a willingness to participate in government negotiations in Brussels without the N-VA, a departure from its previous stance. This shift comes after an invitation from MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez to form a coalition with several parties, including PS, Les Engagés, Groen, Vooruit, and CD&V. Anders leader Frédéric De Gucht outlined conditions for participation, including a full Dutch-speaking majority, a balanced budget by 2029, and fiscal considerations for the middle class. Belga News Agency reported on this development on February 9, 2026.

Anders Wick at Meta

Anders Wick currently serves as the AI Infrastructure and Org Leader at Meta. His LinkedIn profile details his role in engineering executive and data center operations.

The continued sponsorships on Meta platforms, despite the ban, raise questions about the effectiveness of the policy and Meta’s commitment to enforcing it. The legal challenges and shifting political alliances further complicate the landscape of political advertising and government formation in Belgium.