EU Warns Meta Over 'Addictive' Design of Facebook and Instagram

The European Commission has warned Meta that it must alter the design of Facebook and Instagram to reduce "addictive" features or face substantial fines. The EU's preliminary findings suggest that elements such as infinite scrolling, autoplaying videos, and personalized recommendations can foster "compulsive use," particularly among younger users.

If Meta does not implement suitable changes, it could be liable for a fine equivalent to up to 6% of its total global annual revenue. A spokesperson for Meta told the BBC that the company disagrees with the commission's findings, stating they do not fully acknowledge the steps taken to protect teenagers.

The Commission's preliminary assessment indicated that the continuous stream of content may lead users to enter "autopilot mode," potentially contributing to unhealthy habits. The EU regulator expressed particular concern regarding the impact these platforms might have on younger demographics. "Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms," stated EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen.

Regulators noted that Meta may have failed to adequately assess the risks associated with the design of Facebook and Instagram, as well as the amount of time children spend on the platforms, especially during nighttime hours. Concerns were raised about features like Reels and Stories, which the Commission believes could lead to excessive usage, and Meta's safeguards were deemed insufficient.

The commission also pointed out that time-management tools available on Facebook and Instagram, some of which are enabled by default for teenagers, can be easily dismissed and do not effectively reduce usage. Furthermore, Meta's parental controls were criticized for being effective only for parents with the time and technical expertise to utilize them properly.

Meta has stated it has introduced Teen Accounts designed to offer automatic protection for young users and provide parental oversight. These accounts, according to the company, allow parents to block access to Instagram at night and set daily screen time limits, such as capping usage at 15 minutes.