European Union regulators have formally warned Meta — the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — over the potential harms and addictive nature of certain social media features, saying the company must take stronger action to protect users, especially younger people.
Officials from the European Commission met with Meta representatives to address concerns that some platform design elements may be engineered to keep users engaged for long periods, at the expense of mental health and well‑being. The regulatory push comes amid growing scrutiny of how social media companies use algorithms, notifications and “infinite scroll” formats that critics say drive compulsive use.
EU authorities say Meta must provide clearer plans on how it will modify or remove features deemed particularly likely to foster dependency. While Meta has introduced tools such as screen‑time limits and prompt reminders, regulators argue these measures are insufficient without broader design changes.
The notice forms part of the EU’s broader Digital Services Act (DSA) framework, which aims to hold platforms accountable for the societal impacts of their products. Regulators can impose fines or other sanctions if companies fail to comply with laws governing user safety, transparency and content moderation.
Meta responded by reaffirming its commitment to user safety and said it is reviewing regulatory feedback carefully. The company pointed to its existing safety features and ongoing investments in tools to help users manage time spent on its apps.
Experts say the EU’s move signals a more aggressive stance on tech platform governance, especially around issues tied to mental health, data usage, and the responsibilities of companies that operate at global scale. Other regions — including the United States and Australia — are watching closely as policymakers consider similar regulations.
Consumer advocates welcomed the scrutiny, saying that addictive design patterns are a serious challenge for many users, particularly teens who are among the most active on social media. They argue that forcing platforms to rethink such mechanics could lead to healthier online environments.
The coming months will reveal how Meta adapts its products in response to the EU’s demands and whether the regulatory pressure will influence policy debates in other major markets.
