The European Commission has issued preliminary findings accusing Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive, requiring changes to key features like autoplay and infinite scroll or facing penalties of up to 6% of its global revenue.
- EU targets autoplay and infinite scroll as key addiction drivers
- Meta given chance to respond before potential $12 billion fine
- Addictive design claims follow earlier EU actions against Meta and TikTok
What happened
The European Commission released preliminary findings related to Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms, accusing the company of engineering these services to promote addictive behaviors. The EU investigation, initiated in May 2024, specifically focuses on design elements such as autoplay, infinite scroll, and personalized recommendations which allegedly encourage compulsive and unhealthy use.
The Commission has formally notified Meta that in order to avoid fines amounting to up to 6% of its global annual revenue—which could reach roughly $12 billion based on Meta’s 2025 turnover—the company must disable autoplay and infinite scroll by default settings. It also demands more effective screen-time limit measures and algorithmic adjustments away from purely engagement-focused recommendations.
Why it matters
This investigation marks a significant regulatory push from the European Commission targeting addictive design in major social media platforms. The case underscores growing concerns about the societal and mental health impacts of features that drive excessive user engagement without sufficient safeguards. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing screen-time tools and parental controls, which the EU finds inadequate or too burdensome for families.
Meta has strongly disagreed with the findings, highlighting its efforts such as introducing Teen Accounts on Instagram to protect younger users. However, the Commission counters that these measures lack enough friction to disrupt habitual use and place excessive responsibility on parents. The decision comes amid broader EU moves to regulate children’s access to social media and digital health risks, intensifying scrutiny on tech giants.
What to watch next
Meta now has an official opportunity to respond to these findings before the EU issues a final decision, which could include structural remedies or large fines. The company is simultaneously contesting other EU regulatory charges, including claims of violating competition rules with its advertising model. The outcomes of these cases will heavily influence regulatory precedents related to platform design and user protection across Europe.
Additionally, this announcement coincides with an EU expert panel’s imminent recommendation on setting a minimum social media age and reflects increasing legislative momentum across member states to tighten child protection online. Stakeholders should closely monitor both regulatory proceedings and upcoming legislative proposals targeting social media addiction and child safety.