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Instagram and Facebook will likely require a redesign after EU rules they’re ‘addictive’

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Instagram and Facebook will likely require a redesign after EU rules they’re ‘addictive’

TL;DR

  • European Commission preliminary investigation finds Meta potentially in breach of the Digital Services Act.
  • Concerns raised over 'addictive' design of Instagram and Facebook, including features like autoplay and infinite scroll.
  • Meta's provided user tools for limiting usage and parental controls are deemed insufficient.
  • Potential requirement for app redesigns, disabling addictive features by default, and improving recommendation algorithms.
  • Meta could face fines up to 6% of its worldwide annual turnover, potentially $12 billion.
  • The decision comes as the EU considers a blocwide ban on social media for under-16s.
  • Meta also faces a US trial over intentionally addictive apps.