EU: Instagram, Facebook's 'Addictive Design' Breaches Digital Rules

BRUSSELS, July 10 (NNN-dpa) -- Meta's Instagram and Facebook are in breach of the EU's Digital Services Act because of "addictive design" features that pose risks to children and young people, the European Commission said on Friday, citing preliminary findings from its investigation, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The commission's probe focuses on features on the hugely popular platforms, such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and their "highly personalised" recommender systems.

"The Commission's investigation indicates that Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults," it said in a press release.

"Meta disregarded available information about the time minors spend on Instagram or Facebook at night," the statement said, explaining that this could lead to "excessive or compulsive use of the services".

The US social media giant now has an opportunity to respond. If it fails to refute the allegations or make the necessary changes, the European Commission could impose a fine of up to 6 per cent of its annual global turnover. For Meta, that could amount to more than €12 billion (US$13.7 billion).

Amid a growing debate across Europe over a minimum age for social media, the Brussels authority has again published findings from its investigation, increasing pressure on online platforms and strengthening the European Union's case for stricter rules.

-- NNN-BERNAMA-dpa