The European Commission says it has made preliminary findings that Meta, which runs Facebook and Instagram, may be in breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act due to features the regulator describes as “addictive design.” The Commission points to interface and product elements including autoplay, infinite scroll (endless feeds), push notifications, and highly personalized recommender systems that it says can drive compulsive use and affect users’ physical and mental well-being. Several reports note the Commission also focuses on risks for children and other vulnerable users, including concerns about how content formats and optimization could lead to excessive use, and limits that it says users may be able to dismiss. The Commission argues Meta did not adequately assess these risks or implement effective mitigation measures, including time-management tools and parental controls that it says depend on parents having sufficient technical knowledge and willingness to manage settings. Meta disputes the findings, saying it has taken steps to protect teens. If the Commission’s preliminary conclusions are upheld after Meta can respond, the regulator can require design changes and may impose a fine of up to 6% of Meta’s global annual turnover, with reporting also citing potential penalties up to about $12 billion.