EU Threatens Meta With Fines Over Addictive App Features

The European Commission has formally notified Meta Platforms that its social media services, Facebook and Instagram, may be in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This notification stems from concerns that the platforms employ "addictive design" features that exploit user vulnerabilities. The Commission specifically cited features such as infinite scroll, autoplay videos, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms as potential violations.

According to a statement released this week, the Commission believes these features may lead to psychological dependency and harm users, particularly minors. The DSA requires online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including those related to the dissemination of illegal content and the spread of disinformation, as well as negative effects on mental health and on the civic discourse. Meta now has an opportunity to respond to the Commission's preliminary findings and present its case.

If Meta fails to adequately address these concerns, the Commission could initiate formal proceedings under the DSA. This could ultimately lead to significant fines, potentially up to 6% of Meta's global annual turnover. The DSA aims to create a safer digital space for users and hold large online platforms accountable for the content and design of their services. This investigation marks a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate major technology companies and protect its citizens online.