The European Commission has issued preliminary findings suggesting that Meta may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) by using platform features that encourage users to spend excessive time on Instagram and Facebook. Regulators argue that design elements such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and personalized recommendations could contribute to compulsive social media use, particularly among teenagers and other vulnerable users.

If the investigation confirms these findings, Meta could be required to redesign certain features across its platforms in Europe and may face a financial penalty of up to 6% of its annual global revenue.

EU Examines Engagement-Driven Design

According to the European Commission, several built-in features on Facebook and Instagram may be intentionally designed to maximize user engagement.

The investigation focuses on features including:

• Infinite scrolling

• Autoplay videos

• Personalized content recommendations

• Push notifications

Regulators believe these tools encourage users to continue browsing longer than intended by constantly presenting new content and prompting repeated interactions.

Concerns Over Young Users

The Commission has expressed particular concern about the potential impact of these features on teenagers and other vulnerable groups.

Officials say Meta may not have done enough to evaluate or reduce risks associated with prolonged social media use, including:

• Excessive screen time

• Late-night app usage

• Continuous consumption of Reels and Stories

• Potential effects on users' well-being

The investigation forms part of the European Union's broader effort to improve online safety under the Digital Services Act.

Changes Being Considered

European regulators are reportedly considering several measures that could significantly change how Instagram and Facebook operate within the EU.

Possible changes include:

• Disabling infinite scrolling by default

• Turning autoplay videos off by default

• Introducing stronger reminders encouraging users to take breaks

• Promoting healthier screen-time habits

If implemented, these changes could alter the user experience for millions of people across Europe.

Meta Rejects Preliminary Findings

Meta has disputed the Commission's preliminary conclusions, stating that the report does not fully acknowledge the safety measures already introduced across its platforms.

The company highlighted its Teen Accounts initiative, which includes additional protections for younger users such as:

• Daily screen-time limits

• Restrictions on late-night usage

• Enhanced parental supervision tools

• Default privacy protections for teenagers

Meta says it will continue cooperating with European regulators while working to strengthen safety features.

Investigation Still Ongoing

The Commission's findings are preliminary and do not represent a final ruling.

Meta will now have an opportunity to:

• Review the evidence collected by regulators

• Submit its formal response

• Present additional information before a final decision is made

Only after this process concludes will the European Commission determine whether the company violated the Digital Services Act.

Potential Financial Penalty

If Meta is ultimately found to have breached EU regulations, it could face:

• A fine of up to 6% of its annual worldwide turnover

• Mandatory changes to Facebook and Instagram's design for European users

• Ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure compliance

The Digital Services Act gives European authorities broad powers to require major technology companies to reduce systemic risks associated with their online platforms.

Continued Regulatory Pressure on Meta

This investigation adds to a series of regulatory challenges Meta has faced in Europe and other regions.

Earlier this year, European regulators also raised concerns about the company's safeguards for children under the age of 13. In the United States, Meta has faced multiple legal actions alleging that certain platform features contribute to excessive social media use and negatively affect the mental health of younger users.

If the European Commission upholds its findings, users across Europe may soon notice significant changes to Instagram and Facebook, with fewer engagement-focused features and stronger tools designed to encourage healthier digital habits.