EU says Meta's infinite scroll and autoplay may violate Digital Services Act

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that Meta may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) over the allegedly addictive design of Facebook and Instagram.

According to the Commission, Meta failed to properly assess the risks that several design features pose to users’ physical and mental well-being, particularly minors and vulnerable adults. The investigation focuses on features including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the platforms’ highly personalized recommendation systems.

The Commission said these features encourage users to keep scrolling continuously and can shift them into an “autopilot mode,” contributing to unhealthy usage habits and compulsive behavior.

Investigators also found that Meta did not sufficiently consider how long minors spend on Facebook and Instagram, especially at night, or how formats such as Reels and Stories may contribute to excessive use.

In addition to the risk assessment, the Commission said Meta’s existing measures to reduce excessive usage are insufficient. Time management tools on both platforms, including those enabled by default for teenagers, can be easily dismissed and do not effectively limit screen time.

The Commission also noted that Meta’s parental controls require significant technical knowledge and effort from parents, reducing their effectiveness. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns and links to mental health resources available through Meta’s Safety Center were also deemed inadequate in addressing the risks associated with addictive platform design.

As part of its preliminary findings, the Commission said Meta may need to redesign both Facebook and Instagram by disabling features such as autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introducing more effective screen time breaks, and modifying its recommendation systems to prioritize user well-being over engagement.

The findings are not yet final. Meta will have the opportunity to review the Commission’s investigation, respond to the allegations, and present its defense before a final decision is made.

If the Commission ultimately determines that Meta violated the DSA, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover.

The investigation was formally launched in May 2024 and is part of the European Union’s broader efforts to ensure that major online platforms comply with the Digital Services Act. The Commission is also conducting separate investigations into Meta’s age verification measures for minors and the potential “rabbit hole” effects created by Facebook’s and Instagram’s recommendation systems.