EU Challenges Meta Over 'Addictive' Social Media Design

The European Union has issued a strong warning to Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, regarding the design of its platforms. In a new update to an ongoing investigation, the European Commission stated that certain features on these apps are "addictive" and could be damaging to the physical and mental health of users, particularly children and teenagers.

According to the European Commission, features such as "infinite scroll"—where new content appears automatically as you move down the screen—and videos that play by themselves, known as autoplay, are a major concern. The Commission noted that these tools encourage "compulsive use," which means users feel an uncontrollable urge to keep using the apps. Officials argue that these designs shift the brain into "autopilot mode," which leads to unhealthy habits and excessive time spent online.

This warning is part of a larger investigation that began in May 2024. The European Commission claims that Meta has not done enough to assess the risks its platforms pose to younger users. Specifically, the Commission is worried about how much time children spend on these apps, especially late at night. They also raised concerns about features like "Reels" and "Stories," which they believe can keep users on the platforms for too long. According to the BBC, the European Commission has suggested that Meta should disable these addictive features by default and implement mandatory breaks to protect users.

Meta has strongly disagreed with these preliminary findings. A spokesperson for the company told the BBC that the Commission’s report does not accurately consider the significant steps Meta has already taken to protect young people. The company highlighted its new "Teen Accounts" feature, which automatically limits screen time to 15 minutes and allows parents to block access to Instagram at night. Meta claims these tools put parents in control and provide a safer experience for minors.

However, the European Commission remains skeptical of these safeguards. In its report, the Commission argued that Meta’s current time-management tools are not effective because they can be easily ignored by users. Furthermore, the Commission noted that parental controls are only useful if parents have the time and the technical knowledge to set them up correctly. Because many parents may find these tools difficult to use, the Commission believes they do not provide enough protection against the risks of addictive design.

This issue is becoming increasingly important as the European Union faces pressure to act on child safety. Many European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, are currently developing their own plans to restrict social media access for minors. Some leaders are even considering a total ban on social media for children, similar to recent rules introduced in Australia. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has publicly questioned whether social media companies should have such easy access to young people, suggesting that a "social media delay" might be necessary.

If Meta does not make the changes requested by the European Commission, the company could face severe financial consequences. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act—a set of laws designed to make the internet safer by holding platforms responsible for harmful content and illegal activities—Meta could be fined up to 6% of its total global annual turnover. This would represent a massive financial penalty for the tech giant.

For now, the findings remain preliminary, meaning they are not a final decision. Meta has the right to review the evidence and provide a formal response to the Commission. The company has stated that it will continue to work with European officials to provide a safe and positive experience for teenagers. Meanwhile, an expert panel is expected to release new recommendations on how to shield children from harmful online content. As the EU continues to monitor the situation, the debate over how much control tech companies should have over the attention of young users is likely to continue for some time.