The European Commission is preparing preliminary findings that accuse Meta's Facebook and Instagram of using design practices that keep young users hooked. Regulators are considering curbs similar to those announced by the UK and other countries.
The escalating probe by the European Commission signifies a significant regulatory challenge for Meta, potentially leading to new restrictions on its social media platforms and impacting its business practices concerning younger users. This action reflects a broader global trend of increased scrutiny over the design and impact of social media on child welfare.
The European Commission is preparing to escalate its investigation into Meta Platforms, alleging that its social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, employ design practices intended to make them addictive for young users. This move, reported by Bloomberg News, follows previous concerns raised about the impact of Meta's platforms on the well-being and online safety of young users.
Regulators are reportedly considering implementing restrictions similar to those already in place in the UK and other nations, with recommendations expected from an expert panel next month. The commission initiated its probe under the Digital Services Act in May 2024, citing inadequate measures to address risks to children. Earlier in April, the EU had already charged Meta with violating its digital rules, demanding better measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing its services.
In parallel, Meta has been actively lobbying the U.S. Congress for legal immunity against child-harm claims, facing thousands of lawsuits from young users and their families. This legal pressure includes a landmark verdict in March where a Los Angeles jury found both Meta and Alphabet's Google negligent for designing social media platforms deemed harmful to youth.
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