EU Warns Meta Over Addictive Features on Facebook, Instagram

The European Union has issued a warning to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, concerning the addictive nature of features on its social media platforms. The EU expressed significant concern that these platforms pose a considerable risk, especially to children and vulnerable adults.

Key areas of concern for the EU include the endless personal news feeds and the automatic playback of videos, which are seen as potentially harmful. The European Commission is demanding substantial modifications to Facebook and Instagram. These proposed changes could involve disabling features known to foster addiction by default and implementing mechanisms like mandatory breaks and adjustments to recommendation algorithms.

Meta has stated that it disagrees with the EU's conclusions but has pledged to continue cooperating with the authorities. Failure to implement the requested changes could result in a substantial fine for Meta, potentially reaching up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.

The article also notes that the simplified version of the text was prepared using artificial intelligence developed by scientists at Vytautas Magnus University in collaboration with the news agency ELTA, and has been verified by an editor.