The EU has warned Meta it must redesign Facebook and Instagram’s “addictive” features, including autoplay and infinite scroll, or face a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover.
EU Tells Meta: Fix Facebook, Instagram’s ‘Addictive Design’
Brussels has put Meta on notice. The European Commission says Facebook and Instagram breached EU content rules by using features like endless scroll, personalised feeds and autoplay that hook users — especially children, according to Vanguard.
Proposed fixes include disabling autoplay and infinite scroll by default, adding real screen-time breaks, and dialing back engagement-driven algorithms.
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen called protecting Europeans’ mental health a priority. Meta disagrees with the findings but says it’ll keep engaging with regulators, pointing to its Teen Accounts feature. If confirmed, the EU could fine Meta up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
NEWS NOW:
- Ceasefire in tatters: US launches third round of strikes against Iran over Strait of Hormuz attacks
- White House shuts down meeting between Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office and Iran
- Experts advise pregnant women to cut sugar to protect children’s mental health
- Pentagon releases 40 new UFO files, including pilot’s mystery encounter
