EU tells Meta to change 'addictive' design features on Facebook, Instagram

The European Union has formally accused Meta Platforms of breaching its stringent social media law by designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, issued charges demanding the company disable key features that hook users, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay videos, which should not be enabled by default.

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Meta needs to implement design changes to Instagram and Facebook, such as disabling “key addictive features” like autoplay of videos and infinite scroll so they’re not turned on by default.

This action is part of an ongoing investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a comprehensive set of regulations requiring tech platforms to protect internet users and imposing hefty fines for non-compliance. The Commission stated that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks these design features pose to the mental and physical health of users, including minors. While Meta offers tools to manage usage, the Commission found them easily overridden, dismissed, or technically challenging for parents to implement effectively.

Meta has the opportunity to respond to these preliminary findings before a final decision is made. If found in violation, the company could face fines equivalent to up to 6% of its global annual revenue. The Commission emphasized that enforcing legislation holding platforms accountable for addictive design is a priority for Europe, stressing that the physical and mental health of Europeans must be paramount for social media platforms.

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Since this investigation began, we rolled out Teen Accounts that automatically protect teens and put parents in control – allowing them to block access to Instagram at night and cap daily screen time at just 15 minutes.

In its defense, Meta highlighted the steps it has already taken to protect teenagers, including the rollout of "Teen Accounts" that automatically implement privacy settings and parental controls. The company also noted features allowing parents to block nighttime access and limit daily screen time to 15 minutes. Meta stated it shares the EU's commitment to safe online experiences for teens and will continue to engage constructively with the Commission.

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Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms.