EU Accuses Meta of Failing to Address Mental Health Risks From “Addictive Design”

EU Accuses Meta of Failing to Address Mental Health Risks From “Addictive Design”
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European Union regulators have accused Meta of failing to properly address the physical and mental health risks linked to “addictive design” features on Facebook and Instagram.

In preliminary findings released on Friday, the European Commission said features such as autoplay videos and infinite scrolling can encourage compulsive use by keeping users continuously engaged. The commission said Meta had also failed to adequately consider information about the time children spend on Instagram and Facebook at night, and how features such as reels and stories could lead to excessive use.

The EU said these practices may violate the Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to reduce risks to users, including children. Regulators are also examining concerns about algorithmic “rabbit hole” effects and whether Meta failed to stop children under 13 from using its platforms.

Meta rejected the findings, saying it has taken major steps to protect teenagers, including “Teen Accounts” that allow parents to block nighttime access and limit daily screen time.

EU officials want Meta to change default platform designs, including autoplay and infinite scroll, introduce screen breaks, and adjust algorithms. If the findings are confirmed, Meta could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its annual global turnover.

The case comes as several EU countries consider social media restrictions for minors.