Disable auto-play and infinite scroll or risk massive fines, EU tells Meta
The European Union is pressuring Meta to modify features like infinite scroll and auto-play, citing concerns that they are addictive and harmful to mental health. Meta has defended its current safety measures, but the EU claims these efforts are insufficient.
Why it matters
This represents a significant regulatory challenge to the business models of major social media platforms regarding user engagement design.
Uncontrollable urge Disable auto-play and infinite scroll or risk massive fines, EU tells Meta Digital Services Act may force Meta to make big changes on its platforms.
15 Credit: NurPhoto / Contributor | NurPhoto Credit: NurPhoto / Contributor | NurPhoto Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The European Union is ramping up pressure on Meta to make big changes to Facebook and Instagram after the European Commission preliminarily found that features like auto-play, infinite scroll, and highly personalized content recommendations were addictive.
On Thursday, the EC said its investigation indicated that “Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.”
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