EU Escalates Meta Probe Over Addictive Design That Hooks Children

The European Union accused Meta Platforms Inc. of using addictive design and disregarding the risks it poses to children, as the bloc ramps up an investigation into the US social media company.

The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, issued preliminary findings on Friday that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram use personalized recommendations, autoplay and infinite scroll, contributing to compulsive use of the platforms. Time management tools for teens were easily dismissed, while parental controls required technical expertise, time and effort to use effectively, the commission said in a statement.

The preliminary findings, which confirm a Bloomberg report last month, escalate a probe into Meta that began in May 2024 under the Digital Services Act, or DSA. A ruling has not yet been issued and Meta will be able to respond to the findings.

Social media companies are coming under increasing pressure from regulators around the world to protect children, as parents and lawmakers worry about online bullying and exposure to adult content. The UK and other countries are seeking a range of restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms in the wake of curbs Australia introduced last year.

In the US, Meta and other social media giants face thousands of lawsuits over similar claims that its products are addictive and causing a mental health crisis among teenagers. More than 1,300 school districts have filed complaints claiming that products like Instagram and Google’s YouTube are making school learning environments worse for students. Thousands of additional students, parents and other young adults have filed individual cases against the companies alleging harm.

The first of these cases went to trial in Los Angeles earlier this year and a jury found that Instagram and YouTube were liable for harming a 20-year-old woman’s mental health; the companies had to collectively pay the woman $6 million.

The commission’s preliminary findings accused Meta of disregarding data about the habits of children online, especially their excessive use of Instagram or Facebook at night. Different formats on the interfaces, like reels or stories, could lead to compulsive use.

Preliminary findings are the second formal step in a DSA investigation. If the investigation’s findings are confirmed, the EU could fine Meta as much as 6% of its global annual revenue.

In a separate probe, the commission in April accused Meta of failing to keep young children off of its platforms.