The European Commission has raised concerns about Meta’s handling of mental health risks associated with Facebook and Instagram. The Commission claims that features like autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories are designed in a way that encourages users to engage excessively and compulsively with the platforms.
This investigation is part of the European Union’s enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates online platforms to mitigate risks related to user safety and harmful online behaviors. Regulators have highlighted that these features could particularly impact children and teenagers, noting issues such as late-night usage of the platforms.
European officials are pushing for modifications to the design of Facebook and Instagram. Proposed changes include limiting autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing screen break reminders, and tweaking recommendation algorithms to reduce compulsive engagement.
Meta has countered the Commission’s preliminary findings, asserting that it has already put measures in place to protect younger users. These measures include Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime access.
If the European Commission confirms these findings after their investigation, Meta could be penalized with fines reaching up to 6% of its global annual revenue for failing to comply with the Digital Services Act.
