- The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that Meta infringes the Digital Services Act due to the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook.
- Features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications encourage compulsive use, especially among minors.
- Brussels considers Meta's mitigation measures insufficient and demands design changes, such as disabling these functions by default.
- If the violation is confirmed, Meta faces a fine of up to 6% of its annual global revenue.
La The European Commission has taken a firm step against Meta Brussels has preliminarily determined that the design of Instagram and Facebook violates the Digital Services Act (DSA). Following an investigation that began in May 2024, Brussels maintains that features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems create an addictive environment that harms the physical and mental health of users, especially minors and vulnerable adults.
The executive vice president for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, has stressed that Protecting Europeans must be a priority The DSA provides a clear framework for holding companies accountable. This preliminary ruling opens a period for Meta to submit arguments, but if upheld, the company could face a penalty of up to 6% of its annual global revenue, which in 2025 would amount to more than $12.000 billion.
The Brussels investigation
The European Commission has detected that Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design For the well-being of users. According to the official statement, the company ignored available information about the amount of time minors spend on the platforms at night and how formats like Reels and Stories encourage excessive use. The evidence gathered shows that these features activate "autopilot mode" in the brain, fostering unhealthy habits and compulsive consumption.
Furthermore, Brussels points out that Meta ignored the effects of personalized recommendations and the infinite scrolling, which constantly offers new content to keep the user hooked. This is the second warning against Meta for potential DSA violations, following the investigation into access to its platforms by children under 13.
Designated functions
The Commission has focused on four key elements: infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and recommendation algorithmsThese tools are designed to maximize usage time and, therefore, Meta's advertising revenue. However, according to Brussels, they contribute to compulsive use that can lead to... mental health problemsespecially among young people.
The Commission's experts have also analyzed how the optimization of formats such as Reels and Stories It fuels addiction. Specifically, autoplay videos and infinite scrolling prevent users from taking natural breaks, while push notifications create a constant urge to return to the app.
Insufficient measures
Brussels believes that The control tools offered by Meta are clearly insufficient.. Options usage time managementEven those enabled by default for teenagers can be easily disabled and do not significantly reduce the time users spend on the platforms. Parental controls, meanwhile, are only effective if parents have advanced technical knowledge, which limits their effectiveness.
The Commission also criticizes Meta's awareness campaigns, such as the mental health advice in its Safety Center, because it has limited visibility and does not mitigate the risk of addictive design. Therefore, it demands concrete changes: disabling features like autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing effective screen pauses, and modifying the recommendation system to be less interaction-oriented.
Possible sanctions
If the preliminary findings are confirmed, Meta could receive a fine of up to 6% of its annual global revenueIn 2025, the company's revenue was around $201.000 billion, which would put the potential fine at around $12.000 billion. However, the Commission must still consult the European Digital Services Committee and give Meta an opportunity to defend itself before making a final decision.
This case adds to other open investigations against Meta in Europe and the United States. In April, Brussels issued a warning for failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Instagram and Facebook. Furthermore, in August the company will face trial in the United States for the alleged intentionally addictive design of its applications, with demands that could reach $1,4 trillion.
Meta Reaction
The company led by Mark Zuckerberg has rejected the accusations. A Meta spokesperson stated that The Commission's conclusions do not take into account the measures adopted. to protect teenagers, such as Teen Accounts and screen time controls. "We share the European Commission's commitment to providing safe and positive online experiences, and we will continue to collaborate constructively," the spokesperson said.
Meta now has the opportunity to examine the documents in the case and submit written arguments. The process could take several months, but regulatory pressure on Big Tech continues to grow, both in Europe and the United States. The European Commission has already fined other companies such as X (€120 million) and Temu (€200 million) for violating the DSA, demonstrating that the regulations are being strictly enforced.
Ultimately, Brussels' preliminary opinion serves as a serious warning for MetaThe company will have to demonstrate that its design changes are sufficient to avoid a multimillion-dollar fine and, above all, to protect the mental health of millions of European users who use Instagram and Facebook daily.
