- The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that Meta is in breach of the Digital Services Act due to the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook.
- Features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and personalized recommendations encourage compulsive use, especially among minors.
- Brussels considers parental control and time management tools insufficient, and demands that addictive elements be disabled by default.
- Meta faces a possible fine of up to 6% of its global revenue, which could exceed $12.000 billion.
The European Commission has taken a firm step against Meta, preliminarily concluding that Instagram and Facebook's design is addictive and violates EU regulations. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the Commission stated that features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and push notifications are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible , negatively impacting their physical and mental health, particularly that of children and vulnerable adults.
The Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, has emphasized that the Digital Services Act (DSA) provides a clear framework for holding platforms accountable. Brussels has given Meta a deadline to submit its arguments, but if the findings are upheld, the company could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue , amounting to a multi-million euro penalty.
Brussels' accusation: addictive design and health risks
According to the European Commission, Meta failed to adequately assess the risks its addictive design poses to user well-being. The investigation directly points to features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and recommendation systems , which encourage users to browse on autopilot and foster unhealthy habits and compulsive app use. Brussels also criticizes the company for ignoring available data on the amount of time minors spend on Instagram and Facebook at night, as well as the role of formats like Reels and Stories in excessive platform use.
The Commission has found that Meta's current mitigation measures are insufficient. Time management tools, even those enabled by default for teenagers, can be easily dismissed and do not significantly reduce service usage . Furthermore, parental controls are only effective if parents are technically savvy and dedicate time to configuring them, which limits their actual effectiveness. The Commission also considers the mental health alerts offered by Meta in its Safety Hub to be insufficient.
Demands for change and a possible multimillion-dollar fine
In response to this situation, Brussels is demanding that Meta introduce concrete design changes to Instagram and Facebook. Among the requested measures are disabling addictive features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling by default , as well as implementing effective screen time breaks and adjusting the recommendation system to rely less on constant interaction. The Commission is also calling for parental control tools to be more accessible and effective.
If the preliminary findings are upheld after the appeals period, Meta could face a fine of up to 6% of its annual global revenue. Based on its projected 2025 revenue of approximately $201.000 billion, the penalty could reach $12.000 billion , a record amount for the application of the DSA. However, the company has the right to defend itself and has already expressed its disagreement with the findings, asserting that it has implemented significant measures to protect teenagers, such as Teen Accounts and screen time controls.
Regulatory context and reactions
This is not the first time Meta has faced the European Commission for non-compliance with the DSA. Last April, Brussels issued a similar preliminary finding for failing to effectively prevent children under 13 from accessing its platforms. Furthermore, the company faces another investigation into its age verification systems and a lawsuit in the United States for the same reason, where several states are seeking damages that could reach $1,4 billion. Regulatory pressure on Big Tech continues to grow, and Europe is positioning itself as a leader in protecting users' mental health from addictive designs.
Meta, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the authorities and stated that Brussels' conclusions do not adequately reflect the measures already implemented. A company spokesperson told the BBC that they share the goal of providing safe experiences for teenagers and will continue to work constructively with the Commission. The case now enters a phase of arguments that could be lengthy, and the outcome will set a precedent for the regulation of social media in Europe.
The Brussels investigation has revealed that Instagram and Facebook's design, based on retaining attention at all costs, has real consequences for users' health. Current monitoring tools are insufficient, and the Commission is demanding structural changes that would force Meta to rethink the architecture of its platforms. Meanwhile, the company faces a potentially record fine and increasing scrutiny in both Europe and the United States. The final decision could come in the next few months and, if confirmed, would mark a turning point in how social media operates in the European market.
