The European Commission has formally accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of failing to address the mental and physical health risks posed by its “addictive design” features. In a charge sheet released on Friday, regulators specifically cited video autoplay and infinite scroll as mechanisms that “shift the brain into autopilot mode, contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.”
Commission cites compulsive use among children
The commission stated that Meta had ignored available data on the time children spend on Instagram and Facebook at night, and how features such as reels and stories could lead to excessive or compulsive use. This finding comes as the EU considers a potential social media ban for minors. The addictive design of the platforms is alleged to breach the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to protect users from internet harms including scams, disinformation and illegal content.
Meta disputes preliminary findings
A Meta spokesperson responded: “We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don’t accurately take into account the significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens. Since this investigation began, we rolled out ‘Teen Accounts’ that automatically protect teens and put parents in control – allowing them to block access to Instagram at night and cap daily screen time at just 15 minutes.”
The charges are part of a broader investigation launched in May 2024. EU officials are also examining “rabbit hole” effects, where algorithms feed young users negative content such as unrealistic body images. Additionally, the commission found Meta had broken EU law and its own terms by failing to prevent children under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram.
Potential fines and design changes
EU officials want Meta to redesign Instagram and Facebook by removing autoplay and infinite scroll as default settings, implementing screen breaks, and altering algorithms to offer less personalized content. Meta has the right to defend itself and examine the commission’s files. If the ruling is confirmed, Meta could face a fine of up to 6% of its total annual turnover.
The charges come just days before a report from an expert panel convened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media bans for children. The panel is due to present recommendations on Monday. Von der Leyen has previously stated: “We must consider a social media delay,” adding, “The question is not whether young people should have access to social media, the question is whether social media should have access to young people.”
Growing pressure for EU-wide ban
At least 10 EU member states, including France, Italy and Spain, are drawing up plans for social media bans, increasing pressure on the commission to create an EU-wide solution to avoid a patchwork of rules. Announcing the charges, the commission’s lead tech policy official, Henna Virkkunen, said: “The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe.”
