EU warns Meta of fines over addictive Facebook and Instagram features
11 reported
The European Commission announced on Friday that Meta must overhaul addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram or face a fine. The Commission stated that Meta is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms. These features are said to fuel users’ urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into “autopilot mode,” contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use. The Commission found that Meta failed to adequately assess risks to users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors and vulnerable adults. It also accused Meta of ignoring evidence about the amount of time minors spend on the platforms at night and how features like Reels and Stories could encourage excessive use. The Commission is calling on Meta to disable key addictive features by default, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and modify its recommendation algorithm. The findings are not final, and Meta will have the opportunity to review the evidence and submit a formal response. If confirmed, Meta faces a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.
What’s reported
The European Commission announced on Friday that Meta must overhaul addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram or face a fine.
Meta is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms.
The Commission says these features fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into “autopilot mode,” contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.
The Commission found that Meta failed to adequately assess risks to users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors and vulnerable adults.
The Commission accused Meta of ignoring evidence about the amount of time minors spend on Instagram and Facebook at night and how features such as Reels and Stories could encourage excessive or compulsive use.
The Commission is calling on Meta to disable key addictive features by default, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and modify its recommendation algorithm.
The findings are not final; Meta will have the opportunity to review the evidence and submit a formal response.
If confirmed, Meta faces a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.
Meta did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
This is the second time this year the EU Commission has found Meta contravening its laws; in April, it found Meta failing to prevent children under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram.
Meta said in a U.S. court filing on Monday that four U.S. states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties over claims that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users and misled the public about safety.
Key figures
European Commission (announced findings)
Meta (tech giant, subject of the announcement)
TechCrunch (source outlet, requested comment from Meta)
Sources: TechCrunch
