Threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram

Threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram puts Meta under EU regulatory pressure to change how its platforms are designed to keep users engaged. The European Commission said on Friday that Meta must overhaul Facebook and Instagram’s “addictive design” features or face a fine under the Digital Services Act. The Commission cited functions including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms, saying they can encourage compulsive use and shift users into an “autopilot mode.” It also alleged Meta failed to assess risks to users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors and vulnerable adults, and that its mitigation tools do not meaningfully reduce use. The findings are not final, and Meta can respond. If confirmed, the company faces penalties up to 6% of its global annual turnover.