The European Commission has issued a preliminary finding that Meta is in breach of the Digital Services Act due to addictive design features on its platforms that may harm user wellbeing.
Key points
- The investigation targets features including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommender systems.
- Meta faces potential fines of up to 6% of its total annual worldwide turnover if the findings are confirmed.
- The European Commission stated that Meta failed to adequately assess risks to the physical and mental health of minors and vulnerable adults.
- Meta has contested the findings, citing the implementation of 'Teen Accounts' that allow for parental control and screen time limits.
Why it matters
This regulatory action represents a significant enforcement of the Digital Services Act, aiming to hold major technology companies accountable for design choices that impact user mental health.