What features is the EU demanding Meta remove?

The European Commission is targeting three features on Facebook and Instagram: autoplay video, infinite scroll, and highly personalized algorithmic recommendations. The EC says these are designed to be addictive and that Meta has not properly assessed their risks to users' mental and physical health, including minors.

How large could the fines be if Meta doesn't comply?

Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), fines for non-compliance can reach up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover. For Meta, which reported revenues of over $130 billion in 2023, that could amount to billions of dollars.

Is this investigation final, or can Meta still respond?

The case is still at the preliminary investigation stage. Meta has the right to submit a response and propose remediation measures. The EC's findings are preliminary, not a final ruling, so enforcement action has not yet been formally imposed.

EU Orders Meta to Disable Autoplay and Infinite Scroll…

EU Orders Meta to Disable Autoplay and Infinite Scroll or Face Massive Fines

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that Meta's autoplay, infinite scroll, and highly personalized recommendation features on Facebook and Instagram constitute addictive design. The EC says Meta failed to adequately assess risks to users' mental and physical health, including minors, and demands significant reforms or fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover under the Digital Services Act.

about 2 hours ago

Highlights

The European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta's autoplay, infinite scroll, and personalized recommendation features on Facebook and Instagram constitute addictive design under the Digital Services Act.

The EC stated Meta failed to adequately assess the risks these features pose to users' mental and physical well-being, including minors.

Non-compliance with DSA requirements could expose Meta to fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.

The case remains at the preliminary investigation stage, and Meta retains the right to respond and propose reforms.

The EU's action sets a significant regulatory precedent for global debates over addictive social media design.

EU Pressures Meta to Remove Addictive Design Features or Face Heavy Fines

The European Union is intensifying pressure on Meta, demanding sweeping changes to Facebook and Instagram. The European Commission (EC) has issued preliminary findings that features including autoplay, infinite scroll, and highly personalized content recommendations are addictive by design and may cause harm to users.

The EC stated on Thursday that its investigation found "Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on users' mental and physical well-being, including minors." The action marks a further escalation in the EU's regulatory campaign against major tech platforms under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Key Allegations

The EC's preliminary conclusions focus on three core design elements:

Autoplay: Videos play continuously and automatically, encouraging passive, extended use
Infinite scroll: The interface deliberately removes natural stopping points, making it difficult for users to disengage
Highly personalized recommendations: Algorithmic content delivery reinforces platform dependency

EU authorities contend that these design choices may have negative effects on both the psychological and physical health of users — particularly minors whose mental development is still ongoing.

Deadline and Penalties

If Meta fails to submit a satisfactory remediation plan within the required timeframe, it faces enforcement action under the DSA. Under that regulation, fines can reach up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover.

The case remains at the preliminary investigation stage, and Meta retains the right to respond. Nevertheless, the move underscores the EU's hardline stance on tech platform regulation and provides an important reference point for global debates over addictive social media design.