After a preliminary investigation, the European Commission concluded that Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) violated European digital services law by using a design on social networks that could cause addiction among users. About this Reports BBC News.
The European Commission complained about features such as video autoplay, endless feeds and personalized recommendations. According to the European Commission, the endless stream of content “puts the brain on autopilot, encouraging the formation of unhealthy habits,” including in children and teenagers.
The European Commission said Meta failed to adequately assess the risks associated with the design of Facebook and Instagram, as well as the amount of time children spend on these platforms.
The European Commission called on Meta to make changes to the design of both social networks. The statement notes that if the European Commission’s findings are confirmed, Meta will face a fine of up to 6% of its total annual turnover. Based on the company’s revenues for 2025, the fine could reach nearly 11 billion euros. Notes euronews.
A Meta spokesperson told BBC News: “We share the European Commission’s commitment to ensuring teenagers have a safe and positive experience online and will continue to engage constructively with them.”
According to Euractiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will announce plans in September to impose an EU-wide ban on the use of social networks for children. The publication’s source in the European Commission confirmed that the legal basis for such a ban has not yet been developed. Euractiv also wrote that at the moment it is not clear what minimum age will be set for minors to access social networks, as well as how compliance with the ban will be monitored.
Australia was the first country in the world in 2024 to introduce in its legislation a ban on the use of social networks for children under 16 years of age. The United Kingdom plans to adopt similar restrictions.