BRUSSELS - The European Commission charged Meta Platforms on Friday with violating the EU's Digital Services Act. Regulators claim Instagram and Facebook use features like autoplay and infinite scroll designed to hook users.
The charges follow a two-year investigation. Officials said Meta failed to assess the addictive risks of personalized recommendations and features like Reels that encourage prolonged use. Critics called Meta's time-management tools easily dismissible.
The EU's tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, stated Meta's design is "too addictive" and must change. Meta faces fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover. The company disagrees, citing new Teen Account protections.
These charges mirror recent action against TikTok. The EU is separately investigating algorithmic "rabbit hole" effects and considering a potential continent-wide ban for teenagers.