Instagram and Facebook are too addictive according to the European Commission

Meta breaks DSA rules with addictive design of Instagram and Facebook, says the European Commission. According to the Commission, the design of the apps can pose a risk to the physical and mental well-being of users.

According to the European Commission, functions such as endless scrolling, automatic playback of videos and highly personalized content ensure that the brain switches to ‘autopilot’. The Commission also alleges that Meta ignored information about the time minors spend on the apps at night and how the optimization of reels and stories can lead to “excessive or compulsive use. “

The social media company previously took measures to limit the risks of the design of the apps, but these have proven to be insufficient. Users can set time limits, among other things, but the notifications about this are easy to ignore and would not lead to less use of the service. The parental control functions are also too complicated for many people, the EC believes.

Screen time breaks and other algorithm

The Commission believes that Meta should adjust its apps, for example by not automatically playing videos by default and by disabling infinite scrolling by default. She also suggests built-in screen time breaks and the algorithm should focus less on maximizing interaction.

Meta can view the Commission’s findings and respond to them. If the company fails to refute this, it risks a billion-dollar fine of up to 6 percent of annual turnover. Meta had a turnover of around 175.8 billion euros last year. As a result, the fine could amount to approximately 10.5 billion euros.