European Union regulators have formally accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of neglecting the physical and mental health risks posed by its platform designs. In an official charge sheet released on Friday, the European Commission identified specific features, including video autoplay and infinite scroll, as primary drivers that push the human brain into an “autopilot mode.” These design choices are alleged to foster unhealthy habits and compulsive usage among the platform’s user base.
This development arrives as the EU actively evaluates the possibility of implementing a social media ban for minors. The commission’s findings suggest that Meta has ignored available data regarding the duration children spend on its platforms during nighttime hours. Furthermore, officials noted that features such as reels and stories are contributing to excessive and compulsive engagement with the company’s services. These charges are part of a broader investigation into Meta that commenced in May 2024.
Beyond the current charges, EU officials are examining other concerns, including “rabbit hole” effects where algorithms expose young users to negative content, such as unrealistic body imagery. Additionally, the commission has alleged that Meta violated both EU law and its own internal terms of service by failing to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. Regulators are now calling for fundamental design changes, such as removing autoplay and infinite scroll as default settings, mandating screen breaks, and adjusting algorithms to reduce the delivery of personalized content.
In response, a Meta spokesperson stated, “We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don’t accurately take into account the significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens.” The company highlighted the introduction of “Teen Accounts,” which include parental controls, options to block nighttime access, and daily screen time limits of 15 minutes. Meta retains the right to defend itself and may review the investigative files. Should the ruling be upheld, the company faces potential fines of up to 6% of its total annual turnover.
The announcement coincides with an upcoming report from an expert panel commissioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which is tasked with reviewing potential social media bans for children. Von der Leyen has previously signaled support for a “social media delay,” questioning whether social media should have access to young people. With at least 10 EU member states, including France, Italy, and Spain, already developing their own social media restrictions, the commission is under pressure to establish a unified approach to avoid a fragmented regulatory landscape.
