The European Commission has brought accusations against Meta, claiming that the social media giant has not sufficiently tackled the mental health risks linked to certain design elements of Facebook and Instagram. The Commission argues that key features of these platforms, such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories, may encourage prolonged and compulsive use, potentially leading to unhealthy habits.
Regulators are particularly worried about the impact these features have on children and teenagers, noting that Meta has not adequately addressed issues like late-night use among young users. This scrutiny is part of a broader investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that online platforms mitigate risks related to user safety and harmful online behaviors.
EU officials are advocating for changes to the design of Facebook and Instagram. They propose measures such as disabling autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing screen break reminders, and modifying recommendation algorithms to curb compulsive engagement.
Meta has countered these preliminary findings, pointing to the introduction of features like Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime platform access aimed at protecting younger users. Despite these measures, the company could face significant penalties if the European Commission confirms its findings after concluding the investigation. Under the Digital Services Act, Meta risks fines amounting to up to 6% of its global annual revenue.