The European Commission has preliminarily found that Meta’s Instagram and Facebook breach the EU’s Digital Services Act due to “addictive design” features. This finding opens the possibility of a fine potentially exceeding $13 billion.
The investigation focused on design elements such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms. Regulators argue these features push users into an “autopilot mode,” fueling compulsive and prolonged use. The Commission determined that Meta failed to properly assess the impact of these design choices on users’ physical and mental wellbeing, especially for minors and other vulnerable groups.
Beyond the design features, the Commission criticized Meta’s existing safeguards. Time-management tools on both platforms, which are turned on by default for teenagers, were deemed easily dismissible or switched off and did not meaningfully reduce usage. Parental controls were also criticized; they were judged effective only for parents with significant technical knowledge and time to navigate them properly, which regulators felt undermines their real-world value.
A separate safety-center page offering mental-health resources was also found insufficient to offset the risks posed by the addictive design.
If confirmed, Meta faces a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover. Based on the company’s estimated $201 billion in 2025 revenue, this potential fine could exceed $13 billion (around €11-12 billion).
The Commission is demanding specific structural changes from Meta. These demands include disabling autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introducing genuine screen-time breaks, and adjusting recommendation systems to be less engagement-driven.
This action occurs alongside an ongoing EU probe into whether Meta adequately keeps children under 13 off Instagram and Facebook.
In response, Meta stated that the findings do not reflect the steps it has already taken to protect teens. The company pointed to its Teen Accounts feature, which automatically applies protections such as blocking overnight access and capping daily screen time at 15 minutes.
Meta also indicated a desire to continue constructive engagement with the Commission. Furthermore, Meta has been granted the right to review the investigation files and respond in writing before any final non-compliance decision is issued.
This enforcement action follows previous DSA actions, including a €120 million fine against X in December and a €200 million fine against Temu in May. Other platforms, such as Snapchat, Shein, TikTok, and several adult sites, are also reportedly under separate investigation.