EU Issues Preliminary Findings Against Meta, Urges It to Disable Infinite Scroll and Autoplay

The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that Meta's design choices for Instagram and Facebook breach the Digital Services Act by fostering addictive behavior. Regulators are focusing specifically on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the platforms' highly personalized recommender systems.



According to the Commission, Meta failed to adequately evaluate how its platform designs affect the physical and mental well-being of users, particularly minors and other vulnerable groups. Investigators said the company did not adequately consider available information about teens' nighttime use of Instagram and Facebook or how formats such as Reels and Stories, combined with features like infinite scroll and autoplay, may contribute to unhealthy habits and compulsive use. The Commission also said these features can shift users into "autopilot mode," fueling the urge to keep scrolling.


The Commission also concluded, on a preliminary basis, that Meta's current safeguards are largely ineffective. Time management tools available on Instagram and Facebook can be easily dismissed by users, failing to meaningfully reduce screen time. Regulators also said the company's parental controls require significant technical expertise and time from guardians to set up properly, limiting their effectiveness against the platforms' inherent design risks. Standard awareness campaigns, such as links to a separate safety center, were also deemed insufficient.

To address these concerns, the Commission suggested that Meta disable autoplay and infinite scroll by default, implement effective screen time breaks, and adjust its recommendation systems to prioritize user well-being over engagement. The regulatory pressure builds on existing scrutiny Meta faces globally. The company was recently found liable in a major U.S. social media addiction trial over similar concerns regarding its impact on younger demographics.

Meta now has the opportunity to review the investigation files and respond to the preliminary findings in writing. The investigation is separate from the Commission's ongoing probes into Meta's age assurance measures and the so-called "rabbit hole" effects of its recommendation systems. If the Commission ultimately confirms its preliminary findings, it may issue a non-compliance decision carrying fines of up to six percent of Meta's total worldwide annual turnover.