The European Commission is preparing preliminary findings against Meta, accusing Facebook and Instagram of using addictive design features — such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and constant notifications — to keep children hooked. The probe, opened in May 2024 under the Digital Services Act, could result in a fine of up to 6% of Meta's global annual sales. This is separate from an earlier case accusing Meta of failing to keep young children off its platforms. The DSA is increasingly showing teeth, having already fined X (€120mn) and Temu (€200mn). The case is part of a broader global push to protect children online, with the UK and Australia pursuing social media bans for under-16s, and Meta facing thousands of US lawsuits over harm to teenagers' mental health.
