Meta in Breach of EU Digital Laws Over 'Addictive' Instagram and Facebook Designs

Instagram and Facebook's "addictive" designs have put Meta in breach of the European Union's digital laws, the EU concluded Friday in a preliminary report.

The tech giant violated the EU's Digital Services Act by failing to adequately consider the risks associated with design features that affected the physical well-being of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults, the European Commission said.

These features include infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems.

Meta is facing fines up to 6% of its total annual turnover if the Commission's findings are confirmed.

"We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don't accurately take into account the significant steps we've taken to protect teens," a spokesperson from Meta said.

Since the investigation began, Meta has rolled out Teen Accounts that "automatically protect teens and put parents in control," by allowing them to block access at night and cap daily screen time at 15 minutes, they said.

"We share the European Commission's commitment to providing teens with safe, positive online experiences and will continue to engage constructively with them," they added.