EU launches inquiry into Instagram and Facebook for child addiction concerns

Key Points:

• The European Union has initiated a formal investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, amid worries about the platforms’ impact on children’s mental and physical well-being.
• The probe, under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), focuses on potential behavioral addictions caused by the platforms’ user interfaces and algorithms, as well as concerns regarding access to inappropriate content and the effectiveness of age-verification tools.
• Meta’s recent efforts to enhance child safety, such as restricting access to harmful content and limiting interactions with suspicious accounts, come amid mounting pressure to address its reputation for inadequate protection of minors online.

The European Union has launched an official inquiry into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over mounting concerns about the detrimental effects of these platforms on children. Announced by the European Commission, the investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to scrutinize whether Meta has fallen short in safeguarding the mental and physical well-being of young users.

Of particular concern are the platforms’ user interfaces and algorithms, which are suspected of fostering addictive behaviors among children, as well as potential lapses in preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content. Furthermore, doubts have been raised about the efficacy of Meta’s age-verification tools, with questions looming over their adequacy in curbing underage access.

Amidst these concerns, Meta has recently implemented measures to bolster child safety, including tighter restrictions on harmful content and stricter controls on interactions with adult accounts flagged as suspicious. However, with the investigation underway, Meta faces the prospect of significant penalties if found to have violated DSA rules, signaling the EU’s commitment to safeguarding youth in the digital age.