Meta risks $12B EU fine over addictive Instagram and Facebook feeds
The European Commission has warned Meta that its addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram may violate the Digital Services Act. The company faces potential fines of up to $12 billion and may be forced to redesign its platforms to reduce engagement-oriented algorithms.
Why it matters
This represents a major escalation in global regulatory efforts to curb the influence of big tech on mental health and user behavior.
Meta is in breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a preliminary investigation has found, over the “addictive” design of Instagram and Facebook. It’s likely to be forced to redesign both apps, and could face a fine of up to $12 billion.
The European Commission said Meta “did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.” It singled out features like personalized recommendations, autoplay, and infinite scroll, arguing that they “fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into ‘autopilot mode.’”
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