The European Union has ordered Meta to make changes to certain features on Facebook and Instagram, warning the company it could face significant financial penalties if it fails to comply. EU regulators say some platform features may encourage excessive use, particularly among younger users.
According to the European Commission’s preliminary findings, features such as autoplay, infinite scrolling, and highly personalized content recommendations are designed in ways that can keep users engaged for extended periods. Regulators say these design choices may increase the risk of compulsive or excessive platform use.
EU Raises Concerns Over User Protection
The European Commission said Meta has not adequately assessed or reduced the risks associated with these features. It also argued that existing safeguards, including screen time tools and parental controls, are not sufficient to protect users.
As part of its recommendations, the EU has asked Meta to disable certain engagement-driven features by default, introduce more effective break reminders, and adjust its recommendation algorithms to reduce reliance on engagement-focused design.
Meta Could Face Major Financial Penalties
The European Union warned that if Meta does not implement the required changes, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its annual global revenue under the bloc’s digital regulations.
The findings are part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen online safety and increase accountability for major digital platforms operating within its member states.
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