Meta Faces EU Pressure Over Instagram Design
The European Commission has found Meta's Instagram and Facebook may violate the Digital Services Act due to design features encouraging excessive engagement. Meta could be required to redesign key parts of both apps in Europe and face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
Key points
- The European Commission is investigating Meta's Instagram and Facebook for potentially violating the Digital Services Act due to design features encouraging excessive engagement.
- The Commission's preliminary findings suggest Meta may be required to redesign key parts of both apps in Europe.
- Meta can challenge the findings before a final ruling is issued, but could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if found non-compliant.
- The investigation focuses on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and notifications that repeatedly tempt users to return to the apps.
- Meta's Instagram and Facebook have become increasingly effective at convincing users to stay engaged for extended periods.
Meta Faces EU Pressure Over Instagram Design
The European Commission has found Meta's Instagram and Facebook may be in breach of the Digital Services Act due to design features that encourage excessive engagement. The Commission's investigation focuses on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and notifications that repeatedly tempt users to return to the apps.
If Meta fails to address the Commission's concerns, it could be required to redesign key parts of both apps in Europe. The company can challenge the findings before a final ruling is issued, but could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if found non-compliant.
The Digital Services Act aims to regulate the way tech companies design their services to prevent harm to users. The Commission's investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure social media companies prioritize user well-being over engagement.
Meta has not commented on the Commission's preliminary findings. The company has faced criticism in the past for its role in spreading misinformation and promoting excessive screen time.
Sources
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