'Instagram' and 'Facebook' must change addictive design, European Commission warns

The European Commission has issued a formal warning to Meta Platforms, accusing its social media giants "Instagram" and "Facebook" of violating a core EU law through their intentionally addictive design. The Commission, acting as the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulator, stated that certain features on the platforms are designed to hook users, potentially causing harm.

This action marks a significant step in the EU's efforts to regulate large online platforms under the DSA, which aims to create a safer digital space for users. The Commission's preliminary assessment suggests that the design choices made by Instagram and Facebook may exploit the vulnerabilities of users, particularly minors, by encouraging excessive use and potentially leading to mental health issues.

While the Commission did not specify which exact features are under scrutiny, the warning implies a focus on algorithmic content feeds, notification systems, and other engagement-maximizing tools. The platforms are now required to provide the Commission with a detailed report outlining how they plan to address these concerns within a set timeframe. Failure to comply or provide satisfactory measures could lead to substantial fines, potentially reaching up to 6% of Meta's global annual turnover.

The warning is a preliminary step, and Meta has the opportunity to respond and present its case. However, the Commission's firm stance underscores its commitment to enforcing the DSA and ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly and ethically within the European Union.