Meta faces fresh EU warning: Facebook and Instagram’s design risks a $12 billion fine

On Thursday, the European Commission said Meta is facing a preliminary finding under the EU Digital Services Act, putting the company at risk of a huge fine over what regulators call the “addictive design” of Facebook and Instagram. The Commission said design choices on Meta’s platforms, including the Facebook and Instagram iPhone apps, can pull people into compulsive, “autopilot” use. The concern is especially sharp for children, teens, and other vulnerable users.

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The case focuses on infinite scroll, video autoplay, and recommendation systems built to drive engagement. EU regulators say Meta didn’t do enough to assess or reduce the physical and mental health risks tied to those features, particularly for minors and vulnerable adults.

If that finding stands, Meta could be fined as much as 6% of its global annual revenue, which would put the penalty at more than $12 billion. The European Commission also wants changes to the default experience: key features turned off unless you actively opt in, stronger tools that push people to take breaks, and less dependence on recommendations.

The Commission also says the current time limits and parental controls are too easy to ignore, dismiss, or switch off, or else too cumbersome to stick with.

If you use Facebook or Instagram a lot, this one matters. Meta says it has already rolled out Teen Accounts, parental supervision, nighttime restrictions, and daily screen-time limits. EU investigators aren’t persuaded, and pressure is building not just in Europe, but in the UK and the US as well, where thousands of lawsuits make similar claims against the company.

Facebook and Instagram are available on iPhone and other platforms.