Meta faces potential EU fines and redesign orders over addictive features

Meta faces a significant regulatory challenge in Europe following an announcement on Friday, 10 July 2026, that the European Commission has issued preliminary findings accusing the company of violating the Digital Services Act. The Commission alleges that the design of Instagram and Facebook is addictive, potentially compromising the physical and mental health of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.

The regulatory body identified several features as drivers of compulsive behaviour, specifically pointing to infinite scrolling, autoplaying videos, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms. According to the Commission, these elements encourage users to enter what officials describe as an autopilot mode, which leads to excessive use. Furthermore, investigators noted that the company has largely ignored evidence regarding the duration of nighttime usage among minors. Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s tech policy chief, stated:

"Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms. The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe."

Media additions

Henna Virkkunen, tech policy chief, via European Commission

The Commission criticised Meta’s existing mitigation efforts, asserting that current time management and parental control tools are insufficient. Officials stated that these features can be easily dismissed by users and often require a level of technical expertise or parental effort that renders them ineffective in practice.

Proposed Redesigns and Financial Risks

If the findings are confirmed, Meta may be compelled to overhaul its platforms. The Commission has proposed several mandatory changes, including:

• Disabling autoplay and infinite scroll by default.
• Implementing effective screen-time breaks.
• Modifying recommendation algorithms to reduce their focus on user engagement.

The company now has the opportunity to review the evidence and submit a formal response. Should the Commission issue a final ruling against Meta, the company could face a fine of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover. Based on 2025 financial data, this could result in a penalty of up to $12 billion.

In a statement regarding the findings, Meta defended its current approach to user safety.

"Since this investigation began, we rolled out Teen Accounts that automatically protect teens and put parents in control - allowing them to block access to Instagram at night and cap daily screen time at just 15 minutes. We share the European Commission’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive online experiences and will continue to engage constructively with them."

Meta, corporate statement, via Company

A Broader Regulatory Context

This action is part of a wider effort by Brussels to assert control over digital giants. The Commission has been investigating Meta since May 2024, with separate proceedings already underway regarding the company's age verification processes and its ability to prevent children under 13 from accessing its services. Similar investigations into the addictive potential of other platforms, such as TikTok, remain ongoing.

The pressure on Meta extends beyond Europe. In the United States, the company is preparing for a trial in August 2026 concerning allegations that its platforms were intentionally designed to addict young users. Reports suggest that four U.S. States are seeking penalties reaching $1.4 trillion in that case. a recent jury in Los Angeles awarded a $3 million judgment against Meta in a separate case involving platform addiction, in which the company was held responsible for 70% of the damages.

While the European Commission’s push for a redesign may eventually force significant functional changes to Instagram and Facebook, any such mandates would primarily apply to accounts registered within the European Union. an expert panel is expected to deliver recommendations on Monday regarding a potential blocwide ban on social media for those under 16.