Autoplay and infinite scroll encourage compulsive use and pose risks to users’ wellbeing, the European Commission has said
EU regulators have accused US tech giant Meta Platforms of failing to protect users of Facebook and Instagram from features they say encourage compulsive use and harm wellbeing. Meta has rejected the allegations.
The European Commission said on Friday that its investigation found Meta had failed to properly assess the risks posed by features such as autoplay, infinite scroll, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems, particularly for children and other vulnerable users. Regulators said the company did not adequately consider nighttime use by minors or whether Reels and Stories could contribute to excessive engagement.
The Commission also found Meta’s safeguards insufficient, saying links to mental health resources alone do not adequately reduce the risks. It urged the company to redesign key features, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and make its recommendation systems less engagement-driven.
Meta rejected the findings, arguing they fail to reflect the measures it has already introduced to protect younger users.
The decision is a preliminary finding under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission launched its investigation in May 2024, examining whether Meta has complied with rules requiring the bloc’s largest online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks. The legislation has fueled transatlantic tensions, with US officials arguing the EU’s digital regulations disproportionately target American companies.
If confirmed, the findings could result in a fine of up to 6% of Meta’s global annual revenue, more than $12 billion based on the company’s reported 2025 revenue.
The Commission is also investigating whether Meta’s recommendation systems create so-called “rabbit hole” effects by repeatedly directing users toward similar content and exploiting the vulnerabilities of younger users. In a separate preliminary finding in April, regulators concluded the company had failed to do enough to prevent children under 13 from accessing its platforms.
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Friday’s announcement comes days before an expert panel established by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to present recommendations on child safety online. The report, expected on Monday, is set to examine measures including possible restrictions on children’s access to social media. Von der Leyen has previously backed exploring a “social media delay,” while France, Italy, and Spain have already called for stricter rules for young users.
