{"id":77358,"date":"2026-06-23T15:28:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T15:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/77358\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T15:28:09","slug":"eu-to-escalate-meta-probe-into-addictive-design-that-hooks-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/77358\/","title":{"rendered":"EU to Escalate Meta Probe Into Addictive Design That Hooks Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

The European Union is set to ramp up an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc. that alleges its products are addictive to children, as the bloc increases regulatory pressure on the U.S. social media company.<\/p>\n

The EU\u2019s executive branch, the European Commission, is preparing to issue preliminary findings that accuse Meta\u2019s Facebook and Instagram of using exploitative design techniques to keep young users hooked, according to people familiar with the matter. Regulators haven\u2019t set a date for when the findings will be announced, the people said, asking not to be identified because the proceedings aren\u2019t public.<\/p>\n

Related: Meta Lobbies Congress for Protection From Child-Harm Lawsuits<\/a><\/p>\n

Meta didn\u2019t respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the commission declined to comment.<\/p>\n

The commission opened the probe in May 2024 under the Digital Services Act, or DSA, the bloc\u2019s content moderation rulebook. The investigation listed several suspected breaches, including the allegation that Meta\u2019s interfaces jeopardize children\u2019s well-being through a \u201crabbit-hole effect\u201d in which algorithms keep users\u2019 attention with a constant stream of material.<\/p>\n

Regulators are focusing on improving child safety online, seeking to force platforms to ensure minors do not access adult content and demanding more stringent age-gating. In a separate investigation, the commission in April accused the company of failing to keep young children off of its platforms.<\/p>\n

The moves come as part of a global push to protect children from the harms of social networks as parents and lawmakers worry about online bullying. The UK and other countries are seeking a range of restrictions on children\u2019s use of social media platforms in the wake of curbs Australia introduced last year. The commission is mulling similar measures, depending on the recommendations of an expert panel expected next month.<\/p>\n

Related: If AI Is Addictive, Where Does The Responsibility Lie\u2014With Big Tech Or Users?<\/a><\/p>\n

In the U.S., Meta and other social media giants face thousands of lawsuits over similar claims that its products are addictive and causing a mental health crisis among teenagers. More than 1,300 school districts have filed complaints claiming that products like Instagram and Google\u2019s YouTube are making school learning environments worse for students. Thousands of additional students, parents and other young adults have filed individual cases against the companies alleging harm.<\/p>\n

The first of these cases went to trial in Los Angeles earlier this year and a jury found that Instagram and YouTube were liable for harming a 20-year-old woman\u2019s mental health; the companies had to collectively pay the woman $6 million.<\/p>\n

The EU is seeking to use its regulatory authority rather than the courts to target social media. Preliminary findings are the second formal step in a DSA investigation. Meta will be able to defend itself from the charges and propose potential remedies to address the commission\u2019s concerns. Failing that, the company could face a fine of as much as 6% of annual global sales.<\/p>\n

The first two fines levied under the law were \u20ac120 million ($138 million) against Elon Musk\u2019s X in December and \u20ac200 million against Chinese e-commerce giant Temu last month. X has appealed the fine.<\/p>\n

Top photo: The European Commission is preparing to issue preliminary findings that accuse Meta\u2019s Facebook and Instagram of using exploitative design techniques. Bloomberg.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.<\/p>\n

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