Brussels, July 10 (EFE).- The European Commission on Friday accused Meta of using potentially addictive design features on Instagram and Facebook that it says pose risks to users’ physical and mental well-being, particularly for minors, in breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act.
According to the commission’s preliminary findings, features such as infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, push notifications, and highly personalized content encourage compulsive use of the platforms.
The commission argues that these features “shift the brain into autopilot mode, contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.”
If the findings are upheld and Meta fails to address the commission’s concerns, the company could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover.
The preliminary conclusions stem from an investigation launched in May 2024.
In April, the commission also accused Meta of failing to implement effective measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing its platforms.
Brussels said Meta had not adequately assessed the risks associated with the design of Instagram and Facebook and that the measures it had introduced to mitigate those risks were insufficient.
The commission said Meta had failed to take proper account of data showing how many hours minors spend on the platforms at night.
It also argued that the time management tools available to users, including those enabled by default for teenagers, can be «easily» disabled.
It further said parental control tools are effective only if parents or guardians have sufficient technical knowledge and are willing to invest time in understanding how they work.
Meta on Friday rejected the European Commission’s preliminary findings that Instagram and Facebook use addictive design features, arguing that regulators had failed to take into account the company’s efforts to protect teenagers on its platforms.
«We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don’t accurately take into account the significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens,» a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.
The company highlighted its Teen Accounts feature, which it said automatically provides enhanced protections for younger users.
According to Meta, the system limits the content teenagers can see and includes parental controls that allow parents to block access to Instagram at night and set daily screen-time limits.
The company said it shares «the European Commission’s commitment to providing adolescents with safe and positive online experiences» and pledged to continue working with the EU «constructively.»
In a separate statement, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) welcomed the Commission’s move, describing it as «encouraging» and urging regulators to ensure that Meta introduces «meaningful changes» that prioritise consumers’ rights and interests.
The commission also questioned whether the mental health information and support links provided by Meta adequately reduce the risks associated with the platforms’ design.
“The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe,” European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen said.
She said protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media.
Meta now has the opportunity to respond to the commission’s findings before a final decision is taken.
If the company fails to convince regulators or make the required changes, the commission may impose financial penalties.
The commission has recently stepped up scrutiny of platform design under the DSA. It has opened similar proceedings against TikTok over alleged addictive features and has launched investigations into Shein and Temu over related consumer protection concerns. EFE
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