-
[Your account](https://account.bbc.com/account?lang=en-GB&ptrt=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Farticles%2Fc8j2dje3pldo)
EU threatens Meta with fines over 'addictive' Facebook and Instagram
Image source, Getty Images
By Shiona McCallum
Senior technology reporter
- Published 5 minutes ago
Meta must change Facebook's and Instagram's "addictive" design or face a heavy fine, the EU has warned.
In its preliminary findings, the European Commission said features such as infinite scroll, autoplaying videos and personalised recommendations could encourage "compulsive use", particularly among children and teens.
If Meta does not make suitable changes, it could be fined up to 6% of its total global annual turnover.
A spokesperson for the tech giant told the BBC it disagreed with the findings "which don't accurately take into account the significant steps we've taken to protect teens".
In the preliminary findings, the Commission said the endless stream of content "shift the brain into autopilot mode, contributing to unhealthy habits".
In particular, it is particularly concerned about the impact social media platforms may have on younger users.
"Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms," EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said in a statement.
The Commission said Meta failed to adequately assess the risks posed by how Facebook and Instagram were designed, as well as how long children spend on the platforms, particularly at night.
It raised concerns about features such as Reels and Stories, arguing they could contribute to excessive use, and claimed Meta's safeguards do not go far enough.
The Commission said time-management tools on Facebook and Instagram, including those enabled by default for teenagers, can be dismissed and do not meaningfully reduce usage.
And it also criticised Meta's parental controls, arguing they are only effective if parents have the time and technical expertise to understand and use them properly.
But Meta said it had 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".
Stepped up efforts
The findings are not a final decision.
The tech giant can now review the evidence against it and submit its formal response.
"We share the European Commission's commitment to providing teens with safe, positive online experiences and will continue to engage constructively with them," a Meta spokesperson said.
The EU has in recent months stepped up efforts to force big tech companies to better protect users online, especially children.
The findings come ahead of recommendations expected on Monday from an expert panel tasked with proposing new ways to shield children from harmful online content.
The EU is facing pressure to act, with countries including France pushing for a social media ban for minors following Australia's restrictions for under-16s.
Meta brings High Court challenge over Ofcom fees
* Published 7 May
TikTok told to change 'addictive design' by EU or face massive fines
* Published 6 February
Meta told to pay $375m for misleading users over child safety
* Published 24 March
EU needs to delay social media access for children - von der Leyen
* Published 12 May
Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Related topics
The video playlist
Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC
Previous Next
- 1:23 I was spiked by injection on a girls' holiday. 00:01:23, play video I was spiked by injection on a girls' holiday
- 1:23 Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London. 00:01:23, play video Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London
- 1:04 Should parents apply for jobs for their kids? 00:01:04, play video Should parents apply for jobs for their kids?
- 1:12 Women suffer more in the heat, here's why. 00:01:12, play video Women suffer more in the heat, here's why
- 0:37 Roommate says Charlie Kirk suspect confessed. 00:00:37, play video Roommate says Charlie Kirk suspect confessed
- 1:00 Who pays on a first date? 00:01:00, play video Who pays on a first date?
- 1:17 What's the craziest thing you've done as a twin? 00:01:17, play video What's the craziest thing you've done as a twin?
- 0:42 This painting might contain the most awkward blank space in history. 00:00:42, play video This painting might contain the most awkward blank space in history
- 1:16 Why are the US and Iran fighting again? 00:01:16, play video Why are the US and Iran fighting again?
- 0:44 What we know as triple murder manhunt continues. 00:00:44, play video What we know as triple murder manhunt continues
- 1:20 Iran faces uncertainty with its new political order. 00:01:20, play video Iran faces uncertainty with its new political order
- 0:57 Aid worker who ran World Cup viewings killed in Israeli strike. 00:00:57, play video Aid worker who ran World Cup viewings killed in Israeli strike
- 0:46 Will Russian fuel crisis change Putin's plans in Ukraine war? 00:00:46, play video Will Russian fuel crisis change Putin's plans in Ukraine war?
- 0:24 Will we get a bank holiday if England wins World Cup? 00:00:24, play video Will we get a bank holiday if England wins World Cup?
- 0:39 Greg James and Graham Norton's pre-Swift wedding plot. 00:00:39, play video Greg James and Graham Norton's pre-Swift wedding plot
Top stories
Live. At least 12 dead in Spain wildfire as crews battle to contain blaze
* 11248 viewing 11k viewing
Bayeux Tapestry arrives in UK for first time in 900 years under police guard
* Published 7 hours ago
Met police investigating Reform over election donations - reports
* Published 21 minutes ago
More to explore
- Pioneering treatment saves identical twins from rare pregnancy condition
- To Wimbledon and back - Fery's voyage to Centre Court spotlight
- All the best looks from Paris Haute Couture Week 2026
- The youth clubs fighting to stay relevant in the social media age
- How much sunscreen do you need to protect your skin?
- Ann Widdecombe: Brexit-backing former minister turned Strictly star
- Weekly quiz: Why did Australia's PM apologise to Kylie Minogue?
- We've saved £6,000 on holidays by swapping homes with strangers
- Royal Watch: Get the latest royal stories and analysis with Sean Coughlan’s weekly newsletter
Elsewhere on the BBC
- The rebels, rockstars and revolutionaries of tennis
- The return of the thrilling, award-winning drama about the CIA
- Twisty whodunnit with Nikki Amuka-Bird and John Simm
- Jackie Kennedy's guided tour of the renovated White House in 1962
Most read
- 1Disney's 'dismal' live-action Moana panned by critics
- 2Ann Widdecombe: Brexit-backing former minister turned Strictly star
- 3Pioneering treatment saves identical twins from rare pregnancy condition
- 4Met police investigating Reform over election donations - reports
- 5Prince Harry plays pickleball at Invictus Games event, but no Meghan
- 6Ukrainian agent accused of murdering Monaco bomb suspect changes story
- 7Bayeux Tapestry arrives in UK for first time in 900 years under police guard
- 8'People don't realise how at risk they are': A day with an ambulance service in a heatwave
- 9Vapes to have less enticing names and flavours to protect children
- 10'Cool in 90 seconds' - the fake portable air conditioners sweeping the internet
BBC News Services
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.