The European Union has formally accused Meta Platforms of breaching its digital services law by designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive. The Commission's preliminary findings target key features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos.
The EU's executive arm stated Meta failed to properly assess the risks its design poses to users, especially minors. The company's existing tools for managing use were deemed easily overridden or too complex.
Meta now has a chance to respond before a final decision, which could lead to fines up to six percent of its global annual revenue. The company maintains its existing protections, like Teen Accounts, are sufficient.
The Commission also criticized personalized recommendations and push notifications for fueling compulsive use. Proposed changes include making screen-time breaks more effective and altering recommendation systems to be less engagement-focused.
This action is part of a broader investigation opened in 2024, which also previously cited Meta for failing to prevent underage sign-ups.