The European Union has warned Meta that it must disable features like auto-play and infinite scroll on Facebook and Instagram, or risk facing massive fines. The European Commission's preliminary findings say these features are "addictive" and encourage compulsive use, especially among children and teens.
EU targets addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram
The European Commission said its investigation found that Meta did not properly assess the risks of its addictive design on users' physical and mental wellbeing. According to Reuters, the Commission wants Meta to disable features such as autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introduce effective screen-time breaks, and make its platform less addictive.
The Commission stated that "these features fuel the user's urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into 'autopilot mode,' contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use." The warning specifically mentions the impact on minors and vulnerable adults.
What the EU wants Meta to change
The preliminary findings follow a two-year investigation under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large online platforms to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content. According to BBC News, Meta must change Facebook's and Instagram's "addictive" design or face a heavy fine.
Features of particular concern include:
- Infinite scroll — the endless feed that keeps loading new content
- Auto-play videos — videos that start playing automatically
- Highly personalized content recommendations — algorithms that show content based on user behavior
The EU says these features encourage "compulsive use," particularly among children and teens. The Times of India reported that the EU has given Meta a clear choice: remove the addictive features or pay fines.
Our Take: The EU is taking a strong stand on digital addiction
In our view, this is a significant move by the European Union. For years, social media platforms have designed their interfaces to keep users scrolling for as long as possible. Features like infinite scroll and auto-play are not accidental — they are deliberately built to maximize screen time.
The EU's preliminary findings make it clear that these design choices come at a cost to users' mental health, especially for younger users who may not have the self-control to step away. By threatening fines under the Digital Services Act, the EU is sending a message that tech companies must take responsibility for the impact of their products.
Meta now has a choice: redesign its platforms to prioritize user wellbeing, or face financial penalties. This could set a precedent for how other countries regulate addictive design in social media.
