Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 10, 2026 —

BRUSSELS – The European Union has formally accused Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of breaching the bloc’s stringent digital social media regulations. The accusations center on the design of Meta’s popular platforms, which the EU contends are intentionally engineered to foster addiction among users.

Regulators are specifically demanding the removal of what they describe as “key addictive features.” These include mechanisms such as infinite scrolling and videos that automatically play upon loading, both of which are currently activated by default settings on the platforms. The EU’s action is a significant development within an ongoing investigation being conducted under the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The Digital Services Act, which came into full effect in February 2024, aims to create a safer digital space by holding online platforms accountable for the content and design elements they host and implement. Non-compliance with the DSA can result in substantial financial penalties.

If Meta fails to address the EU’s concerns and rectify the alleged violations, the company could face fines amounting to as much as 6% of its global annual revenue. The specific timeline for Meta to respond to these accusations or implement the requested changes was not immediately provided.

The investigation highlights a growing global trend of scrutiny over the design choices of major social media companies and their potential impact on user behavior and mental well-being. The EU’s rigorous enforcement of the Digital Services Act signals a firm stance on ensuring digital platforms operate responsibly within the bloc.



Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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