EU Investigates Meta for Addictive Design Features on Facebook and Instagram

• •The EU is investigating Meta for potentially violating the Digital Services Act.
• •Key features under scrutiny include infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized recommendations.
• •Meta could face fines of up to 6% of its annual global turnover if found in breach.

The European Commission has launched a preliminary investigation into Meta for potentially breaching the Digital Services Act with its design features on Facebook and Instagram. The investigation focuses on elements like infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized recommendation systems that may contribute to compulsive use and affect the mental well-being of users, especially minors and vulnerable adults. The Commission claims that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks associated with these features and ignored evidence regarding the excessive time minors spend on the platforms. As a result, Meta could face fines of up to 6% of its annual global turnover, which is approximately $12 billion. Meta has stated that it disagrees with the findings and claims to have implemented measures to protect young users. The investigation is ongoing, and Meta will have the opportunity to respond before any final decisions are made.