EU Regulators Accuse Meta of Ignoring Risks from Addictive Social Media Design

Regulators' Accusations and Findings

The European Commission has accused Meta, the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram, of failing to address the mental health risks associated with its 'addictive design,' according to an official charge sheet released on Friday. The commission cited features such as video autoplay and infinite scroll, which they claim shift users' brains into a mode that promotes unhealthy habits and compulsive use.

In a significant finding, as the EU considers a social media ban for minors, the commission noted that Meta had disregarded information about how features like reels and stories lead to excessive or even compulsive use among children, especially at night. The Digital Services Act sets out clear guidelines for how platforms must monitor their services and respond to abuses.

The findings are particularly significant in light of the EU's consideration of a social media ban for minors. The commission pointed out that Meta had disregarded information about the time children spend on Instagram and Facebook at night, as well as how features such as reels and stories could lead to “excessive or even compulsive use of its services.”

Regulatory Actions and Proposed Changes

The Digital Services Act has been used as the basis for these accusations. EU officials are proposing changes to the design of Instagram and Facebook that include scrapping autoplay and infinite scroll settings, implementing screen breaks, and altering the algorithm to offer less personal content.

Meta's Response

In response to the charges, a Meta spokesperson stated: 'We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don’t accurately take into account the significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens. Since this investigation began, we rolled out ‘Teen Accounts’ that automatically protect teens and put parents in control – allowing them to block access to Instagram at night and cap daily screen time at just 15 minutes.' The company has the right to mount a defense and may examine the commission’s investigation files.

The spokesperson also highlighted Meta's recent initiatives, such as the development of Teen Accounts that automatically block access to Instagram after 9 PM and limit daily screen time. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient in addressing the root causes of addictive behaviors on social media platforms.

Broader Context and Future Implications

The latest charges come as EU officials are drawing up plans for a social media ban, with France, Italy, and Spain among at least 10 member states considering such measures. This adds pressure on the European Commission to develop an EU-wide solution or risk inconsistent rules across different countries.

Announcing these findings, Henna Virkkunen, lead official on tech policy at the commission, said: 'The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe.'

Source: The Guardian