The European Commission is set to intensify its investigation into Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram over claims that their design features can be addictive and harm children. Multiple reports say EU regulators are preparing new, preliminary findings that allege exploitative or harmful design practices that may encourage minors to spend excessive time on the platforms.
The investigation comes amid broader EU efforts to increase regulatory scrutiny of US social media companies. The Commission is expected to move forward with steps that could include formal enforcement actions depending on what its preliminary assessment concludes.
If the EU regulators determine that Meta has violated applicable rules, the company could face significant financial penalties. One report notes that potential fines could reach up to 6% of global sales, reflecting the EU’s enforcement framework.
Overall, the developments center on the EU’s planned escalation of the probe and the preparation of preliminary findings regarding how Meta designs its products and how those design choices may affect children.
