The European Commission has leveled accusations against Meta, claiming the tech giant has not sufficiently tackled the mental health challenges linked to the design of its popular platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The commission points to specific features like autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories as culprits that encourage excessive and compulsive use among users, raising concerns over their potential to instill unhealthy usage patterns.
This issue is particularly troubling concerning the impact on children and teenagers, with regulators highlighting worries over late-night usage of these social media platforms. The concerns emerge as part of a broader investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates online platforms to mitigate risks associated with user safety and harmful online practices.
EU officials are urging Meta to make significant design changes to Facebook and Instagram. Proposed adjustments include setting limits on autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing screen break reminders, and modifying recommendation algorithms to curb compulsive engagement patterns.
In response, Meta has contested the preliminary findings, emphasizing the safety measures it has already put in place. The company pointed to initiatives such as Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime access as part of its strategy to better safeguard younger users.
Should the European Commission substantiate its findings upon completing its investigation, Meta might face substantial penalties. These could amount to as much as 6% of the company’s global annual revenue, in light of potential violations of the Digital Services Act.