The European Union regulators charge Meta Platforms’ Instagram and Facebook with possible breaches of EU technology rules, focusing on features they say are designed to keep users engaged compulsively. The regulators ask Meta to make changes that reduce or prevent “addictive” effects, including autoplay and infinite scroll functionality. The EU says the companies’ practices may violate obligations under the bloc’s rules for protecting users from dark patterns and other manipulative design techniques.
Meta faces the possibility of regulatory penalties if the EU’s investigation proceeds to a final decision. One report says the potential fine could be up to 6% of Meta’s global annual turnover, depending on the outcome. The case reflects the EU’s broader enforcement efforts against digital design practices that regulators argue are harmful, particularly where they affect how people discover and continue consuming content.
Meta is expected to respond to the EU’s charges and the demanded changes. Regulators will continue their process before reaching a final ruling.
