Key facts
- The European Commission has charged Meta Platforms with breaching the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).
- Charges cite 'addictive design' features on Facebook and Instagram, including infinite scroll and autoplaying videos.
- Regulators found Meta failed to adequately assess risks to users' physical and mental wellbeing, especially minors.
- Meta faces potential fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover if charges are confirmed.
- Meta has the right to examine investigation files and submit a formal response.
The European Commission has formally charged Meta Platforms with breaching the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), citing 'addictive design' features on Instagram and Facebook that may harm users' mental and physical health. Preliminary findings indicate that features such as infinite scroll, autoplaying videos, push notifications, and personalized recommendation algorithms encourage 'compulsive use', particularly among children and teens, shifting users into 'autopilot mode' and contributing to unhealthy habits. The Commission found Meta failed to adequately assess the risks its platforms pose to the physical and mental wellbeing of users, especially minors and vulnerable adults, and that existing safeguards, including time-management tools and parental controls, are insufficient. Meta has the right to examine the Commission's investigation files and submit a formal response. If the findings are confirmed, Meta faces a fine capped at 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover, potentially exceeding $12 billion based on its 2025 revenue. Meta has stated it disagreed with the findings and highlighted steps taken to protect teens, including Teen Accounts that cap daily screen time.