The European Commission found that Meta is violating the Digital Services Act for the addictive design it chooses to use on Instagram and Facebook to keep users engaged for hours. Specifically, what the EU doesn't like includes infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and a recommendation system.
Commission finds preliminary that Instagram and Facebook's addictive design violates Digital Services Act
The Commission's investigation into the matter is part of a formal proceeding into Meta's compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) that began on 16 May 2024. In these preliminary findings, the Commission found that Meta has failed to adequately assess the risks of addictive design to the physical and mental well-being of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.
The following are the main findings of the research:
- Meta overlooked how addictive features like infinite scrolling trap users
- This design encourages users to stay connected by putting the user on autopilot, which promotes unhealthy habits and compulsive use.
- Meta ignored known data about excessive use of Instagram and Facebook at night by minors
- Meta didn't consider how optimizing specific formats like Reels and Stories can lead to compulsive behavior
- Meta's default time limits for teens can be easily ignored and don't significantly reduce screen time
- Parental controls fail because they require high technical expertise and significant time to understand.
- Safety and mental health advice is buried too deep, making it inadequate
To address these issues, the Commission believes that Meta should implement changes to the design of Instagram and Facebook. Changes it would like to see include disabling autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing effective screen time breaks, and changing the recommendation system.
Meta will have the opportunity to appeal, but if the Commission's findings are confirmed, it could issue a decision of non-compliance, which can lead to a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.
“Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms. The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework for holding platforms accountable for the addictive design and impact of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our laws in Europe.” he says Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Technology Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
