The European Union (EU) has initiated a formal investigation into Facebook and Instagram amid suspicions that the platforms, owned by Meta, are fostering addictive behaviour among children.
Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a comprehensive law aimed at compelling major tech companies to enhance user protection and combat illegal content, the EU is delving into the operations of these social media giants.
This marks the second probe into Meta’s practices by the EU, following a previous investigation launched last month over worries regarding the platforms’ handling of disinformation.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, expressed scepticism about Meta’s compliance with DSA obligations aimed at mitigating risks to the physical and mental well-being of young Europeans. Breton emphasised the EU’s commitment to safeguarding children from potential harm.
In response, a spokesperson for Meta defended the company’s efforts to ensure a safe online environment for young users, citing the development of numerous tools and policies over the past decade. However, the EU’s announcement highlighted concerns that the platforms’ algorithms may be contributing to behavioural addictions in children and exacerbating the “rabbit hole” effect, where users are drawn into consuming increasingly extreme content.
Furthermore, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of Meta’s age-verification tools in preventing underage users from accessing inappropriate content.
The DSA, equipped with stringent regulations to protect children and uphold their privacy and security online, is the basis for the EU’s scrutiny of Meta’s practices. The investigation aims to ascertain whether Meta is fulfilling its obligations under this legislation.
The initiation of formal proceedings does not preclude any specific outcome, and there is no set deadline for the completion of the investigation.
Facebook and Instagram, alongside other major online platforms, are subject to the DSA’s regulations, which include potential fines of up to six percent of global turnover for non-compliance with the law.
