The European Commission charges Meta Platforms’ Instagram and Facebook with potentially breaching EU tech rules by using features regulators say are designed to keep users engaged for longer. Across the cases, regulators focus on design elements such as autoplay and infinite scrolling, which they argue can contribute to compulsive use. The Commission tells Meta to make specific changes to these features to reduce their addictive effects, warning that it could impose fines if the company does not comply or if the concerns are confirmed in later steps.
The outlets report that the action is part of the Commission’s ongoing enforcement under EU rules governing digital services and online platforms. They describe the current move as preliminary findings within a broader investigation that Brussels has been carrying out since 2024. If the EU’s process leads to a final decision, the reporting notes that potential penalties can be substantial, including fines that may be calculated as a percentage of Meta’s global annual turnover. The Commission’s demands and the timing of any further steps are set within the formal investigation and decision process.
