EU warns Meta of fines over 'addictive' Facebook and Instagram design

Meta must change Facebook and Instagram features the EU says are “addictive” or face a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover, according to BBC. In preliminary findings, the European Commission said design elements including infinite scroll, autoplaying videos and personalised recommendations could encourage “compulsive use”, particularly among children and teenagers.

The Commission said Meta failed to adequately assess risks linked to how the platforms are designed and how long children spend on them, including at night, and raised concerns about features such as Reels and Stories. It also criticised time-management tools and parental controls as insufficient. Meta said it disagreed with the findings and pointed to steps it says it has taken to protect teens, including Teen Accounts. The findings are not a final decision and Meta can review the evidence and submit a formal response.