Meta risks $12B EU fine over addictive Instagram and Facebook feeds

AI Summary

Meta is facing the possibility of a $12 billion fine from the European Union for allegedly breaching the Digital Services Act due to the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook. The EU criticizes features that promote continuous engagement, citing significant risks to the mental and physical health of users, especially minors and vulnerable adults.

Meta is in breach of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), a preliminary investigation has found, over the "addictive" design of Instagram and Facebook. It's likely to be forced to redesign both apps, and could face a fine of up to $12 billion. The European Commission said Meta "did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults." It singled out features like personalized recommendations, autoplay, and infinite scroll, arguing that they "fuel the user's urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into 'autopilot mode.'" The report also criticizes t … Read the full story at The Verge.