The European Commission is asking Meta to modify several aspects of how Facebook and Instagram operate, which it accuses of encouraging excessive use, particularly among teenagers and vulnerable individuals. The American company risks a significant financial penalty if it fails to comply with European requirements.
Brussels announced new measures against Meta on Friday, July 10, arguing that the digital giant had not sufficiently taken into account the risks associated with the mechanisms designed to retain users' attention on its platforms.
The European Union is particularly critical of certain features such as infinite scrolling, personalized recommendations, and autoplay videos. According to the Commission, these tools encourage users to stay connected longer and could promote compulsive behavior.
Interfaces designed to extend the time spent online
The European Commission believes these features contribute to a system where users consume content continuously without any real breaks. Brussels considers these mechanisms potentially harmful to mental health, particularly among young users.
The Commission also criticizes the parental control features offered by Facebook and Instagram, deeming them too complex to use. The tools allowing parents to limit teenagers' screen time do not adequately meet the objectives of protecting minors.
These requests come as part of an investigation opened in May 2024 against Meta, conducted under the European Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes greater responsibility on large platforms regarding the risks associated with their services.
Meta disputes the European conclusions
Mark Zuckerberg's company responded by contesting Brussels' analysis. Meta claims to have already implemented several measures designed to better protect teenagers on its platforms.
The company specifically points out the existence of dedicated accounts for young users, with options allowing parents to limit certain uses of Instagram, particularly during the night or by reducing the time spent daily on the application.
"We share the European Commission's objective of providing a safe and positive online environment," said a Meta spokesperson, while also stating that the European conclusions did not sufficiently take into account the measures already deployed.
A procedure that could cost the American group dearly.
Meta now has a deadline to respond to the criticisms made by the European Commission and propose changes. If Brussels considers the measures taken to be insufficient, the company could be fined up to 6% of its annual global revenue.
The European Union has already taken similar steps towards other digital platforms, including TikTok, as part of its desire to better regulate the effects of social networks on the health and safety of users.
Brussels is also working on common solutions at the European level to better regulate children's and adolescents' access to social networks.
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