EU threatens Meta with fines over 'addictive' Facebook and Instagram design
European Union regulators are threatening Meta with fines, saying features such as infinite scroll on Facebook and Instagram contribute to "compulsive use" and "unhealthy habits" among users. The EU found the apps breach the bloc's digital rulebook.
The European Commission has ruled that Meta's Facebook and Instagram apps breach the EU's Digital Services Act because of features such as infinite scroll designed to keep users on the platforms longer. Regulators argue the design choices encourage "compulsive use" behaviour, particularly among younger users.
According to the Commission, such interface designs undermine users' ability to make deliberate choices, driving up screen time and fostering "unhealthy habits." The EU is asking Meta to change the features or face fines that could reach a percentage of the company's global revenue.
Meta said it is reviewing the findings and is in talks with regulators over compliance with EU rules. The ruling comes amid intensifying European scrutiny of how major technology companies design their interfaces and the effect on user wellbeing.
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