EU Charges Meta Over Addictive App Design
The European Commission gave Meta an official charge sheet on Friday. This is a preliminary finding under EU digital rules.
It is not a final ruling yet. Regulators say Meta broke EU law through addictive design on Instagram and Facebook.
The Commission says Meta failed to check risks to users' health. It also failed to reduce those risks.
The charge sheet points to video autoplay and infinite scroll. These features reportedly drive compulsive use of the apps.
It also names push notifications and personalized recommendations as causes. Regulators suggested fixes such as encouraging screen-time breaks.
They also suggested fewer engagement-driven content recommendations. Meta can still respond before a final decision comes.
Fines could reach 6% of Meta's yearly global earnings. Meta disputes the findings.
The company says they ignore steps it took to protect teens. This case follows an EU investigation opened in 2024. In April 2026 the EU separately charged Meta over under-13 users joining Facebook and Instagram.
Key Terms 4
- European Commission The main governing body that enforces laws across the European Union.
- Digital Services Act An EU law regulating how online platforms operate and protect users.
- infinite scroll A design that lets users scroll endlessly without natural stopping points.
- turnover A company's total sales or earnings over a year.