EU accuses Meta of failing to address addictive design risks
9 reported
EU regulators have accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of failing to address the risks of its “addictive design” on users’ physical and mental health. In a charge sheet released Friday, the European Commission said features like video autoplay and infinite scroll “shift the brain into autopilot mode, contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.” The commission stated that Meta disregarded information about children’s nighttime use of Instagram and Facebook and how features such as reels and stories could lead to excessive or compulsive use. The addictive design was cited as a breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act. A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the preliminary findings and noted steps taken, including “Teen Accounts” that allow parents to block nighttime access and cap daily screen time. The charges are part of an investigation launched in May 2024, which also examines “rabbit hole” effects and Meta’s failure to prevent children under 13 from using its platforms. If confirmed, Meta could face a fine of up to 6% of its total annual turnover.
What’s reported
EU regulators accused Meta of failing to tackle risks of “addictive design” on users’ physical and mental health.
The European Commission said features like video autoplay and infinite scroll contribute to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.
The commission said Meta disregarded information about children’s nighttime use and how features like reels and stories could lead to excessive or compulsive use.
The addictive design was cited as a breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the preliminary findings and cited “Teen Accounts” as a protective measure.
The investigation was launched in May 2024 and also examines “rabbit hole” effects and Meta’s failure to prevent children under 13 from using its platforms.
If confirmed, Meta could be fined up to 6% of its total annual turnover.
The charges come before a report from an expert panel on social media bans for children, due Monday.
At least 10 EU member states are drawing up plans for a social media ban, including France, Italy, and Spain.
Key figures
Meta (company behind Facebook and Instagram)
European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission president)
Henna Virkkunen (commission’s lead official on tech policy)
Meta spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
