Brussels Targets Meta’s Infinite Scroll
The European Commission has accused Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive, marking a potential breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Regulators warn that features like infinite scroll and autoplay create “compulsive use.” Should Meta fail to address these concerns, the company faces fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
The Mechanics of Compulsive Usage
Formalized in May 2024, the Commission’s investigation moves beyond content moderation to target the structural architecture of Meta’s platforms. Officials argue that highly personalized feeds, infinite scroll, and autoplay “fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into ‘autopilot mode.’”
To curb these habits, the Commission has directed Meta to disable autoplay and infinite scroll by default, implement effective screen-time breaks, and retune algorithms to prioritize factors other than pure engagement. Current time-management tools, regulators noted, are easily dismissed and fail to meaningfully reduce usage.
Meta Resists Regulatory Overhaul
Meta has contested the findings. Spokesperson Ben Walters argued the assessment “don’t accurately take into account the significant steps we’ve taken to protect teens.” He cited the 2024 launch of Instagram “Teen Accounts” as a primary defense, noting the feature increases parental oversight.
The Commission remains unconvinced. Officials contend that these accounts are easily bypassed and place an undue burden on families, requiring “adequate technical expertise and time and effort” to configure properly.
Escalating Legal Pressures
This is the third set of preliminary findings issued against Meta under the DSA, following earlier charges regarding age verification and transparency for outside researchers. Simultaneously, the company faces a separate ruling regarding its “pay or consent” advertising model, which regulators have identified as a breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
These findings are not yet final. Meta retains the right to examine the evidence and submit a formal defense. If a breach is confirmed, the Commission holds the power to mandate structural changes and impose periodic penalty payments in addition to the base fine.
Shifting Political Tides on Child Safety
The investigation unfolds alongside a broader push to tighten child safety regulations. A panel of experts appointed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is currently drafting recommendations on a potential minimum age for social media use.
While previous legislation stalled due to conflicts between privacy laws and content-scanning, the political climate is changing. Reports indicate that 23 of the 27 EU member states are either considering or have already enacted laws to restrict children’s access to social media. A formal legislative proposal from the Commission could follow this autumn.
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