EU orders Instagram and Facebook to curb addictive features or face fines

• EU regulators demand Meta disable features like autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and make recommendation systems less engagement-focused
• Meta disputes the charges, stating they don't account for protective measures like Teen Accounts that give parents control over sensitive content and app features
• The charges mirror similar EU action against TikTok and come as the Commission prepares potential Europe-wide social media ban for teenagers, to be announced in September

EU Orders Meta to Curb Addictive Instagram and Facebook Features

Key Developments:

The European Commission has charged Meta Platforms with failing to address potentially addictive features on Instagram and Facebook, following a two-year investigation under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). The preliminary findings target features including infinite scroll, autoplay, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms that drive prolonged user engagement.

Regulatory Demands:

The Commission is requiring Meta to disable addictive features by default, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and reduce engagement-focused recommendation systems. Regulators criticized Meta's existing safeguards—such as time management tools and parental controls—as inadequate, noting they can be easily dismissed or require excessive technical knowledge to implement.

Company Response:

Meta spokesperson Ben Walters disputed the charges, stating they fail to account for recent protections including "Teen Accounts" that automatically protect minors and give parents enhanced control. The company committed to continued engagement with EU regulators.

Financial and Legal Implications:

Meta faces potential fines up to 6% of global annual turnover if found non-compliant. The company has several months to respond before the Commission issues a final decision. These charges mirror previous EU actions against TikTok regarding similar addictive design features. Meta also recently failed to dismiss claims from 29 U.S. state attorneys general over youth harm allegations.

Broader Context:

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized that design changes are mandatory, stating the platform is "too addictive." The Commission is separately investigating algorithm-driven "rabbit hole effects" and expects to receive expert findings that could lead to a Europe-wide social media ban for teenagers, potentially announced in September 2025.