EU demands Facebook and Instagram dismantle design features it calls addictive for users
Summary
The European Union has accused Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, of making these platforms addictive by using features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos. The EU wants Meta to disable these features because they can harm users’ physical and mental health, especially children, and has started a legal process that could lead to fines.Key Facts
- The EU says Meta violated its Digital Services Act by designing addictive features on Facebook and Instagram.
- Features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos make users spend more time on the platforms.
- Meta has tools to manage usage, but the EU says they are too hard to use or can be easily ignored.
- Meta introduced Teen Accounts that protect teens and allow parents to limit screen time.
- The EU wants changes to the design so that addictive features are off by default.
- If Meta doesn’t fix the issues, it could face fines up to 6% of its global yearly revenue.
- The EU emphasizes protecting users’ mental and physical health as a priority.
- The investigation started in 2024 over concerns about protecting children on social media.
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