EU Calls for Facebook and Instagram to Modify ‘Addictive’ Design Elements
Poinews.com – The European Commission has identified Meta as potentially violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the addictive nature of Instagram and Facebook’s user interface. This initial determination could lead to a substantial fine, potentially reaching billions of euros. The focus of the inquiry lies on design elements such as infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, push alerts, and personalized content suggestions, which regulators argue encourage users to lose track of time and engage compulsively.
Regulators Highlight Health Impacts of Platform Features
In its latest report, the Commission emphasized that social media platforms must place user well-being at the forefront of their operations. “Ensuring the health of Europeans is essential for tech companies,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. She added that the DSA establishes a framework to hold platforms responsible for the effects of their design, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to implementing digital regulations effectively.
“Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms,” said Henna Virkkunen. “The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe.”
Investigation Reveals Oversight in Risk Assessments
The probe, initiated in May 2024, uncovered that Meta did not sufficiently evaluate the health risks associated with its platforms. Special attention was given to how the platforms affect younger users, with data showing extended nighttime usage. The company’s focus on optimizing formats like reels and stories was found to intensify engagement, often at the expense of user control. Existing measures, such as default time-management tools for teens, were deemed insufficient to curb overuse.
Weak Safeguards Under Fire
Meta’s current safeguards, including parental controls, were criticized for being overly dependent on user knowledge and effort. The Commission noted that these tools only work effectively for parents who are tech-savvy and have the time to engage with them, which limits their overall utility. As a result, the agency has urged Meta to implement more robust design adjustments, such as disabling autoplay and infinite scroll by default, and introducing meaningful screen-time interruptions.
Potential Penalties and Broader Regulatory Context
If the findings are finalized, Meta could face a penalty of up to 6% of its global annual revenue. Based on its 2025 earnings, this could exceed $12 billion. This case is part of a broader effort by the EU to regulate major tech companies under the DSA. Earlier this year, the law was used to impose fines on Elon Musk’s X and Temu, with penalties of €120 million and €200 million respectively. The current investigation also overlaps with a separate review of Meta’s age verification processes, which received preliminary conclusions in April.
