EU warns Meta over ‘addictive design’
The European Union has issued a preliminary warning to Meta over design features on Facebook and Instagram that may encourage excessive use.
- The European Union has issued a preliminary warning to Meta over alleged addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram.
- Meta has disagreed with the warning but has said it will continue engaging constructively with regulators.
- Facebook and Instagram are the platforms named in the European Union’s warning about addictive design.
- The European Union has said the fine could be up to 6% of Meta’s global annual turnover if the findings are confirmed.
What happened
The European Union has warned Meta that Facebook and Instagram may need to change their alleged "addictive design" features. The warning is part of a broader regulatory scrutiny of how major digital platforms shape user behaviour, especially through design choices that may increase screen time.
Brussels has said Meta may face a fine of up to 6% of the company’s global annual turnover if the findings are confirmed.
UPSC may ask about the balance between innovation, user engagement, and regulation of harmful digital design. The issue connects state regulation, consumer protection, and the protection of children and vulnerable users in online spaces.
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