EU threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram
The European Commission has warned Meta that its addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram, such as infinite scroll and autoplay, violate the Digital Services Act. Meta faces potential fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover if it fails to address these concerns regarding user wellbeing.
Why it matters
This represents a significant regulatory push by the EU to force major tech platforms to prioritize user mental health over engagement-driven algorithms.
The EU announced on Friday that Meta must overhaul Facebook’s and Instagram’s addictive design features or face a fine. The tech giant is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms, the European Commission said.
The Commission says these features fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into “autopilot mode,” which contributes to unhealthy habits and compulsive use. It found that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks posed by the addictive design of its platforms to users’ physical and mental wellbeing, including minors and vulnerable adults.
The Commission also 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 of the platforms.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in