EU Accuses Meta of Violating Digital Services Act

The European Union on Friday accused Meta Platforms of violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). Regulators are concerned about features on Facebook and Instagram designed to keep users engaged.

The European Commission's preliminary findings, following a two-year investigation, conclude that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks associated with infinite scrolling, autoplay and personalized recommendations.

According to European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, these features are overly addictive, contribute to compulsive behavior among children and require immediate changes. Otherwise, Meta could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.

Meta spokesperson Ben Walters rejected the allegations, pointing to the company's introduction of special accounts for teenagers with enhanced parental controls. The Commission, however, argues that these safeguards are easy to bypass and difficult for parents to configure.

Brussels is also investigating Meta over algorithms that create so-called "rabbit hole" effects and for failing to adequately protect children under 13.

A key moment could come in September, when Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to present experts' recommendations in her State of the Union address. The proposals could pave the way for EU-wide restrictions on teenagers' use of social media. TikTok faced similar allegations from the Commission earlier this year.

(Reuters, Max)