EU warns Meta over addictive Facebook and Instagram features under Digital Services Act
Meta is facing fresh pressure from European Union regulators over the way Facebook and Instagram are designed to keep users scrolling. The European Commission said on Friday that the company must address what it describes as addictive design features on both platforms or risk a major financial penalty.
According to the Commission, Meta may be violating the EU’s Digital Services Act by relying on tools and design choices that encourage prolonged use. Regulators specifically pointed to features such as infinite scroll, autoplay videos, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems that prioritize engagement.
EU officials argue that these features can push users into an “autopilot” scrolling pattern, making it harder for them to stop using the apps. The Commission said this may contribute to unhealthy digital habits, compulsive use, and potential harm to mental and physical well-being, especially among children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults.
The investigation found that Meta had not properly assessed the risks linked to the addictive design of Facebook and Instagram. Regulators also said the company failed to adequately consider evidence showing how much time minors spend on the platforms at night, as well as the role features like Reels and Stories may play in encouraging excessive use.
The Commission criticized Meta’s existing safety and time-management tools, saying they do not appear to be effective enough. Even tools that are enabled by default for teenage users can reportedly be dismissed easily, limiting their ability to reduce screen time or give users meaningful control over their app usage.
EU regulators are now calling on Meta to make significant changes. The Commission wants Facebook and Instagram to disable addictive features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling by default. It is also urging the company to introduce stronger screen-time breaks and adjust its recommendation algorithms so they are less focused on maximizing engagement.
The findings are still preliminary, meaning Meta will have the chance to review the evidence and formally respond. However, if the Commission confirms that Meta has breached the Digital Services Act, the company could face a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual revenue.
This is not the first time Meta has come under EU scrutiny this year. Earlier in 2024, the Commission also found that the company was not doing enough to stop children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram.
Meta is also facing growing legal pressure in the United States over child safety and social media addiction. In a recent court filing, the company said four U.S. states are seeking massive penalties over allegations that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users while misleading the public about the safety of its platforms.
The EU’s latest move highlights a broader global push to hold major social media companies accountable for how their platforms affect young users. As regulators focus more closely on addictive app design, Facebook and Instagram may be forced to rethink some of the features that have long driven user engagement.
