EU orders Meta to amend addictive features on Instagram and Facebook
The European Union has preliminarily found Meta Platforms Inc.'s Instagram and Facebook services to be in violation of the Digital Markets Act. The company is required to modify certain design elements that may foster addiction.
BRUSSELS – The European Union has preliminarily determined that Meta Platforms Inc. and its Instagram and Facebook services are in violation of the Digital Markets Act. EU regulators are demanding that the technology giant alter specific design features, such as auto-playing content and infinite scrolling, which are considered to contribute to user addiction. Failure to comply could result in significant fines for Meta.
According to the European Commission, features like Reels and Stories on both Facebook and Instagram may encourage excessive use or compulsive usage patterns. Regulators have criticized Meta's existing time management tools and parental controls, deeming them insufficient and too burdensome for users to implement effectively.
A Meta spokesperson stated that the company disagrees with the EU's preliminary conclusions and that they do not accurately reflect the measures taken to protect young users. Meta has since introduced a "teenager account" feature that automatically applies safeguards and offers parents enhanced control options, including scheduling downtime and limiting daily screen time.
The action follows a similar investigation into TikTok earlier this year, which also faced demands for design modifications. Meta could face fines up to 6% of its global annual revenue pending the commission's final decision, which is expected in the coming months. The company has been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.