The European Union has intensified its scrutiny of Meta, warning that Facebook and Instagram must change several core design features that regulators believe encourage excessive and unhealthy use of social media.
In preliminary findings released Friday, the European Commission said Meta’s platforms may be breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA), the bloc’s landmark law governing online platforms. The investigation focuses on how certain product features may contribute to compulsive behavior, particularly among children and other vulnerable users.
Regulators Highlight Infinite Scroll and Autoplay
The Commission identified a range of engagement-focused features that it believes increase the risk of addictive use. These include highly personalized recommendations, autoplaying content, and infinite scrolling feeds that encourage users to remain on the platforms for extended periods.
According to the Commission, its investigation found that Meta did not adequately assess or reduce the risks these design choices may pose to users’ physical and mental well-being. Officials also argued that the platforms’ recommendation systems are too heavily optimized for engagement, potentially reinforcing compulsive browsing habits.
Regulators are seeking substantial changes, including introducing more effective screen-time breaks, reducing reliance on engagement-driven recommendations, and reconsidering the use of features such as autoplay and endless scrolling by default.
Concerns Over Young Users
A major focus of the investigation is the experience of younger users.
The Commission said its review suggests Meta failed to fully account for how teenagers use Facebook and Instagram, including late-night activity and the potential for features such as Reels and Stories to encourage prolonged or compulsive engagement. Officials also questioned whether existing parental controls and time-management tools provide sufficient protection.
Photo Credit:REUTERSThe findings follow earlier regulatory concerns about underage access to Meta’s platforms, reflecting the EU’s broader effort to strengthen online safety standards for children.
Meta Rejects the Preliminary Findings
Meta has disputed the Commission’s conclusions, saying they do not accurately reflect the measures it has introduced to protect younger users.
The company pointed to its Teen Accounts initiative, which includes additional safeguards such as enhanced privacy settings, parental supervision options and tools designed to limit nighttime access and excessive screen time. Meta maintains that it has invested significantly in safety features and intends to respond to the Commission’s findings as the investigation continues.
Potential Financial Consequences
If the European Commission ultimately concludes that Meta has violated the Digital Services Act, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover. While the law allows for substantial penalties, final sanctions are determined only after the investigative process is completed and the company has had an opportunity to respond.
The case is one of the EU’s most significant efforts to address what regulators describe as “addictive design” in digital products. Rather than focusing solely on harmful content, the investigation examines whether the underlying architecture of major social media platforms encourages unhealthy patterns of use.
Why the Case Matters
The proceedings could shape how large technology companies design their products across Europe and potentially beyond. Any required changes to recommendation algorithms, scrolling behavior or engagement features could influence future platform design standards throughout the industry.
For now, the Commission’s findings remain preliminary. Meta will have the opportunity to present its defense before regulators decide whether to issue a final ruling and impose any penalties under the Digital Services Act.
