EU threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram

The European Union has issued a formal warning to Meta, threatening multi-billion dollar fines over allegedly addictive features on Facebook and Instagram. European regulators argue that specific algorithms, infinite scrolling feeds, and push notification designs are intentionally engineered to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly in young minors. The investigation centers on whether Meta violated the Digital Services Act by failing to protect children’s mental health and well-being. Meta has been given a strict deadline to present concrete behavioral changes and introduce safer user-interface designs. Failure to comply could result in penalties amounting to six percent of the tech giant’s global annual revenue. This confrontation marks another major chapter in Europe’s strict ongoing crackdown on Big Tech practices.