The European Commission has leveled accusations against Meta, claiming that the company has not adequately addressed mental health risks linked to the design of its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The Commission points to key features such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories, which they assert encourage excessive and compulsive usage, potentially leading to unhealthy habits among users.
Regulators are particularly worried about the effects these features have on children and teenagers, including the propensity for late-night usage. These concerns are part of an ongoing investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that online platforms minimize risks concerning user safety and mitigate harmful online behaviors.
As part of their demands, EU officials are advocating for modifications to the design of Facebook and Instagram. Proposed changes include setting limits on autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, incorporating reminders for screen breaks, and adjusting recommendation algorithms to cut down on compulsive engagement.
Meta, however, has challenged these preliminary findings. The company highlights the introduction of 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 following the completion of its investigation, Meta could be subjected to fines reaching up to 6% of its global annual revenue for breaching the Digital Services Act.