The European Commission has concluded its preliminary investigation… (дизайн · еврокомиссия · вызывающий)
The European Commission has concluded its preliminary investigation and determined that Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) violated the EU Digital Services Act by using social media designs that can cause user dependency.
Consensus
- The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that Meta violated the EU Digital Services Act.
- Meta is accused of using a design in Facebook and Instagram that promotes addictive behavior.
- Key features cited include infinite scrolling, auto-play video, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems.
- The Commission claims these design elements contribute to unhealthy habits and compulsive use, especially among minors.
- Meta has not adequately assessed the risks related to its platform designs for physical and mental health.
- The European Commission has called on Meta to make changes to the design of both platforms.
- Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to 6% of Meta's annual revenue.
Points of divergence
- Meta stated it shares the European Commission’s goal of ensuring a safe and positive online experience for teenagers and will continue constructive engagement with the Commission. — meduza
- Ursula von der Leyen plans to announce EU-wide plans in September to ban social media use for children, though no legal basis has been developed yet. — meduza
- Australia introduced a law in 2024 banning children under 16 from using social networks; the UK is considering similar restrictions. — meduza
- Meta was labeled an extremist organization and banned in Russia, which is noted as context for its mention. — interfax
Coverage (2 sources)
- EU Commission threatens Meta with fines if it does not change 'addictive' Instagram and Facebook design — Meduza
- EC preliminarily recognizes Meta as a violator of the Digital Services Act — Интерфакс