EU tells Instagram, Facebook to change addictive features or risk fines
The Commission said Instagram and Facebook features can drive compulsive use and that Meta may face a fine capped at 6% of global annual turnover.
- On Friday, the European Commission preliminarily found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act, citing Facebook and Instagram features that regulators say shift users into "autopilot mode" and fuel compulsive use.
- Investigators launched the probe in May 2024, finding that Meta disregarded data on nighttime teenage usage and failed to adequately assess risks posed by infinite scroll, autoplay, and recommendation algorithms.
- The Commission determined that existing time management tools are easily ignored, while parental controls require significant technical expertise to be effective. It demands Meta disable autoplay and infinite scroll by default.
- If confirmed, Meta faces a fine capped at 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover, potentially exceeding $12 billion based on 2025 revenue; the company can examine investigation files and respond before a final decision.
- Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, stated the Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable, following fines against Elon Musk's X and Chinese e-commerce giant Temu.
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EU tells Instagram, Facebook to change addictive features or risk fines
The European Commission wants Meta to turn off autoplay and infinite scroll by default, add effective screen-time reminders, and reduce the emphasis its recommendation system places on driving engagement
The European Union has accused Instagram and Facebook of violating the region's technology laws.
Meta faces 6% turnover fine as EU finds Instagram breach addictive design
Brussels says infinite scroll, autoplay and personalised feeds push users toward compulsive use. Meta can contest the finding before regulators rule on a fine. Continue reading this article on ppc.land. Sign up the PPC Land newsletter to get the latest marketing news.
The interview with Giusella Finocchiaro, lawyer and professor Unibo, after the preliminary conclusions of the EU on the algorithms of Facebook and Instagram: "Ma Bruxe...
EU Tells Meta to Dismantle Instagram and Facebook Features That Keep Users Hooked
Brussels delivered a stark message to Meta on Friday. The European Commission issued preliminary findings that the company’s Instagram and Facebook apps breach the bloc’s landmark Digital Services Act through what regulators call their addictive design. Features long central to the platforms’ ability to hold attention now stand accused of harming users’ physical and mental health, especially children and teenagers. Infinite scroll. Autoplay vide…
The European Commission, following a preliminary investigation, concluded that Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) had violated the European Digital Services Act by using a design on social media that could cause addiction to users.
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