EU ramps up probe into Meta’s addictive design practices
European Commission prepares preliminary findings that Facebook and Instagram may violate digital safety rules by hooking young users
The European Commission is preparing to escalate its investigation into Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram use addictive design practices that harm children.
Regulators are drafting preliminary findings accusing the platforms of using features that keep younger users engaged for longer periods, according to a Bloomberg report.
The findings have not yet been formally announced, and the Commission has not set a date for their release.
Meta did not immediately comment on the report. A European Commission spokesperson also declined to comment.
The investigation is being conducted under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires the largest online platforms to identify and reduce risks linked to harmful content, platform design and the protection of minors.
The Commission opened the proceedings in May 2024 after raising concerns that Meta’s algorithms could encourage addictive behavior and lead children into repeated streams of similar content.
Regulators also questioned whether Meta’s age verification systems and privacy protections were sufficient for younger users.
The reported findings would expand the regulatory pressure Meta already faces in Europe.
In April, the Commission separately issued preliminary findings accusing Facebook and Instagram of failing to adequately prevent children under 13 from using the services.
The latest action is expected to focus more directly on the design of the platforms and whether engagement features exploit the behavior of younger users.
The Commission is also considering broader restrictions on social media access for children after an expert panel delivers recommendations next month.
The possible measures could resemble age restrictions and child safety rules introduced or proposed in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Meta is also facing pressure in the United States, where thousands of lawsuits accuse social media companies of designing products that harm younger users.
A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent in March for their role in designing social platforms found to be harmful to children.
The European Commission could eventually impose changes to Meta’s platforms or financial penalties if it concludes the company breached the Digital Services Act.