The European Commission issued a preliminary finding on July 10th, stating the design of Meta's Instagram and Facebook likely violates the Digital Services Act.
Regulators specifically cited four features: infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems. The Commission's preliminary view is that Meta failed to adequately assess and mitigate the systemic risks its design poses to user wellbeing, particularly for minors.
The finding demands Meta redesign both apps. Specific remedies include switching off autoplay and infinite scroll by default and adding meaningful screen-time interruptions. Meta's existing safeguards, such as time-management tools and parental controls, were deemed insufficient.
This is a preliminary accusation, not a final penalty. Meta has the right to defend itself and review the Commission's evidence before any non-compliance decision is made. The Digital Services Act allows for fines up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover. Meta has stated it disagrees with the conclusions.
The Commission emphasized this does not establish that the apps are clinically addictive. The legal question centers on risk assessment and mitigation. Meta will contest both the framing and the underlying analysis as the investigation continues.