European Union warns Meta: Directed to remove addictive features; objections raised against infinite scrolling as well..

The European Union (EU) has compounded Meta's troubles. The European Commission has alleged that Facebook and Instagram are designed to encourage users to repeatedly engage with the platforms and remain glued to their screens for extended periods. The Commission has directed Meta to discontinue such features and modify its platform designs.

**Concerns Raised Over Specific Features**

The European Commission's preliminary investigation suggests that features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, content feeds driven by personal preferences, and frequent push notifications compel users to consume content without interruption. The Commission believes these mechanisms lead users to inadvertently spend hours on social media.

**Concerns Regarding the Safety of Children and Teenagers**

The Commission stated that Meta failed to adequately assess the impact of these features on the physical and mental health of children and teenagers. While the company has introduced tools to manage screen time and assist parents, these features can either be easily disabled or are overly complex to use, thereby limiting their actual effectiveness.

**What Changes Does the EU Seek?**

The European Commission has suggested that Meta eliminate default settings that enable features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos. It also recommends implementing measures that encourage users to take periodic breaks from their screens. Furthermore, the Commission wants content delivery systems to prioritize user safety and well-being rather than focusing solely on maximizing engagement.

**Meta's Response**

Meta has not fully agreed with these allegations. The company points out that it has introduced initiatives like "Teen Accounts" to enhance safety for adolescents. These features allow parents to restrict Instagram usage during nighttime hours and set daily screen time limits as low as 15 minutes. Meta stated that it will continue to collaborate with the European Commission and remains committed to providing a safe online environment.

**Risk of Heavy Fines**

Meta will be given the opportunity to present its case regarding the Commission's preliminary findings, after which a final decision will be announced. If the company is found to be in violation of the rules, it could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its global annual revenue.

It is worth noting that the European Union initiated an investigation into Meta in 2024 under the Digital Services Act (DSA). That same year, the Commission also stated that Meta had failed to take adequate measures to prevent children under the age of 13 from creating accounts on Facebook and Instagram, and to identify and remove such existing accounts.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.