Archive · 21 Jul 2026
EU Finds Meta's Addictive Design Breaks Digital Services Act
The European Union has found that the way Facebook and Instagram are designed might be breaking their laws.
The EU says that features like endless scrolling, videos that play automatically, and notifications that pop up can make people use these apps too much.
They want Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, to change these features so they are not so addictive.
If Meta doesn't change, they might have to pay a very big fine.
This is different from other fines because it's about how the apps are designed, not just about privacy or data.
If Meta has to change these features in Europe, they might change them everywhere.
The European Commission found Meta's addictive design features may violate the Digital Services Act.
Key features under scrutiny include infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommendation algorithms.
The Commission proposes disabling addictive features by default, introducing screen-time breaks, and modifying recommendation algorithms.
Meta faces a potential fine of up to $12 billion if the findings are confirmed.
This case is significant as it targets the design of social media platforms, which has not been done by a major regulator before.
- Who
- European Commission and Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
- What
- Preliminary findings that Meta's addictive design features may violate the Digital Services Act
- When
- July 10, after a two-year investigation
- Where
- European Union
- Why
- To address potential unhealthy habits and compulsive use of the platforms
- Regulatory Body
- European Commission
- Company Involved
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
- Potential Fine
- Up to $12 billion (6% of global annual turnover)
- Key Features Under Scrutiny
- Infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, personalized recommendation algorithms
- Proposed Changes
- Disable addictive features by default, introduce screen-time breaks, modify recommendation algorithms
- Regulatory Act
- Digital Services Act
- Status of Findings
- Preliminary, Meta can respond before final decision