EU Demands Meta Change Addictive Features on Facebook and Instagram or Face Billions in Fines

The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Meta, warning that Facebook and Instagram may violate the Digital Services Act due to features that encourage addictive behavior. The EU demands changes to infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and the implementation of mechanisms that promote breaks in usage. Failure to comply could result in fines amounting to billions of euros.

EU officials also criticized Meta's current tools aimed at limiting screen time and protecting minors, stating these measures are either too complex to activate or easy to bypass, thus failing to adequately safeguard young users. The European Commission has requested Meta to reconsider the design of its recommendation systems, which tailor content based on user behavior, to reduce potential harm.

Meta has rejected the EU's preliminary findings, highlighting steps it has taken in recent years to enhance protections for younger users. These include the introduction of Teen Accounts, parental control tools, screen time limits, and additional safety settings designed to reduce exposure to inappropriate content and encourage balanced usage.

The investigation, which began in 2024 under the EU's Digital Services Act, is ongoing. Meta will have the opportunity to formally respond to the findings before the European Commission issues a final decision on whether the company violated the law and what penalties will be imposed. This case represents a significant challenge to social media business models, shifting focus from privacy and data protection to the addictive design of platforms. If upheld, the EU's stance could influence social media product designs globally beyond Meta alone.