The European Commission has leveled accusations against Meta, claiming the company hasn’t sufficiently tackled the mental health risks stemming from the design of Facebook and Instagram. The Commission argues that key features of these platforms, such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories, are designed to keep users engaged for prolonged periods, potentially fostering unhealthy usage habits.
Regulators are particularly concerned about the impact of these features on children and teenagers, including their tendency to use these platforms late into the night. These concerns are part of an ongoing investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates online platforms to mitigate risks to user safety and curb harmful online behaviors.
As part of their response, EU officials are urging for modifications in the design of Facebook and Instagram. Suggested changes include default limits on autoplay and infinite scrolling, implementing reminders for screen breaks, and adjusting recommendation algorithms to deter compulsive engagement.
Meta has dismissed these preliminary findings, pointing out that it has already implemented several measures aimed at safeguarding younger users. These measures include Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime access.
Should the European Commission uphold its findings after concluding the investigation, Meta could face significant financial penalties. The company risks fines amounting to as much as 6% of its global annual revenue for breaching the regulations set forth by the Digital Services Act.