EU Threatens Meta With Fines Over Addictive Facebook and Instagram Features

The European Commission has warned Meta that it must change the design of Facebook and Instagram or risk substantial fines under the Digital Services Act. Regulators said the company relies on features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalised recommendation algorithms that encourage users to spend excessive time on its platforms.

According to the Commission, these design elements can push users into an “autopilot mode,” contributing to compulsive behaviour and unhealthy usage patterns. The EU said Meta failed to properly assess the risks these features pose to users’ physical and mental well-being, particularly minors and other vulnerable groups.

Commission raises concerns over young users.

The investigation also found that Meta did not adequately address evidence showing how much time teenagers spend on Facebook and Instagram, especially at night. Regulators said products such as Reels and Stories may encourage excessive engagement, while existing screen-time management tools can be easily dismissed and have not significantly reduced usage.

The Commission is calling on Meta to turn off features such as autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introduce more effective screen-time breaks, ks and modify its recommendation system to be less focused on maximising user engagement.

Meta faces possible financial penalties

The findings are preliminary, and Meta will have an opportunity to review the evidence and respond before a final decision is made. If the Commission confirms its conclusions, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.

The announcement marks the second time this year that the European Commission has found Meta in breach of its rules. In April, regulators concluded that the company had failed to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. Meta is also facing legal challenges in the United States, where several states are seeking major financial penalties over allegations that its platforms were designed to addict young users.