EU Threatens Meta with Fines Over Addictive Features on Facebook and Instagram

Washington DC, United States Jul 10, 2026 ALN: The EU announced on Friday that Meta must overhaul Facebook’s and Instagram’s addictive design features or face a fine. The tech giant is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms, the European Commission said.

The Commission says these features fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into “autopilot mode,” which contributes to unhealthy habits and compulsive use. It found that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks posed by the addictive design of its platforms to users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors and vulnerable adults.

The Commission also accused Meta of ignoring evidence about the amount of time minors spend on Instagram and Facebook at night and how features such as Reels and Stories could encourage excessive or compulsive use of the platforms.

“Evidence also shows that Meta’s current mitigation measures failed to effectively tackle the risks stemming from its addictive design,” the Commission wrote. “For example, Instagram’s and Facebook’s time management tools, including those activated by default for teens, can be easily dismissed and do not lead to a meaningful reduction and control of the usage of the service.”

It’s calling on Meta to disable key addictive features, such as autoplay and infinite scroll by default, and to introduce effective screen-time breaks, as well as modify its recommendation algorithm to make it less focused on user engagement.

The findings are not final, and Meta will now have the opportunity to review the evidence against it and submit a formal response. If the Commission’s findings are confirmed, Meta faces a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.

Meta did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

Friday’s announcement marks the second time this year that the EU Commission has found Meta contravening its laws. In April, the Commission found that Meta was failing to prevent children under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram.

Meta has also been facing scrutiny in the U.S. for failing to protect young users on its platforms. Most recently, Meta said in a court filing on Monday that four U.S. states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties over claims that the tech giant designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users and that it misled the public about the platforms’ safety.

The European Commission's recent actions against Meta reflect a growing concern among regulators regarding the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among younger populations. The addictive features highlighted by the Commission are not unique to Meta but are prevalent across various social media platforms. The concept of infinite scroll, for instance, is designed to keep users engaged by presenting an endless stream of content, which can lead to prolonged usage without breaks. This design choice has been criticized by psychologists and health experts who argue that it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

The Digital Services Act, which aims to create a safer digital space, holds tech companies accountable for the content and features they promote. By mandating that companies like Meta assess the risks associated with their design choices, the EU is pushing for a more responsible approach to technology that prioritizes user well-being over engagement metrics. This regulatory framework is part of a broader effort by the EU to address the challenges posed by digital platforms, including misinformation, hate speech, and the protection of minors online.

The European Commission’s findings against Meta also come on the heels of increasing public scrutiny regarding the safety of social media platforms for children and teenagers. Concerns have been raised over how these platforms can affect self-esteem, body image, and overall mental health. The Commission’s emphasis on the need for effective screen-time management tools reflects a growing recognition of the importance of promoting healthy online habits among young users.

In the U.S., the scrutiny of Meta's practices is similarly intense. The $1.4 trillion in penalties sought by four states underscores the severity of the allegations against the company, which include claims that it knowingly designed its platforms to be addictive to young users. The legal challenges Meta faces in the U.S. are part of a larger trend of increasing regulatory oversight of big tech companies, as lawmakers and regulators grapple with the implications of technology on society.

As Meta prepares to respond to the EU’s findings, it is likely to face significant pressure from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and mental health advocates, who are calling for more accountability from tech companies. The potential financial penalties could also have a substantial impact on Meta’s operations, especially if they are confirmed and enforced. This situation highlights the delicate balance that tech companies must strike between fostering user engagement and ensuring the well-being of their users.

The implications of these regulatory actions extend beyond Meta. Other tech companies may also need to reassess their design choices and consider the ethical implications of their features. As the landscape of digital interaction continues to evolve, the push for more responsible design practices may lead to a fundamental shift in how social media platforms operate. This could include a move towards more user-centric features that prioritize mental health and well-being over engagement and profit.

In conclusion, the EU's threat of fines against Meta serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility that tech companies have toward their users, particularly vulnerable populations like minors. As regulatory scrutiny increases, the future of social media design may be shaped by the need to create safer, healthier online environments that promote positive interactions and mitigate the risks associated with compulsive use.