Facebook and Instagram face inquiries about their potential to become overly addictive for young users.
The recent investigation into Meta's platforms is emphasizing the fact that regulators are increasingly focusing on the negative effects of these social media sites on young users.
The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, is now considering if Meta fulfills their obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new law that demands online platforms to protect children by preventing access to inappropriate content, ensuring privacy and safety, and enforcing strict age verification measures. Disobeying these regulations may lead to a fine of up to 6% of a company's global revenue or a possible requirement to alter their software.
The European Commission is worried that the interfaces of Facebook and Instagram might be exploiting the vulnerability and inexperience of minors, causing addictive behavior. Additionally, the commission is concerned about Meta's age assurance and verification methods, believing them to be ineffective.
In a response to the European Commission, a Meta spokesperson commented: "We aim to provide safe, age-appropriate experiences for young people, and we have spent more than a decade developing numerous tools and policies designed to protect them." However, this statement did not seem to alleviate the commission's concerns.
The company submitted a report to the European Commission last September, outlining how it protects minors on its platforms. This report, however, did not seem to satisfy the regulators.
European Commissioner Thierry Breton stated, "We remain skeptical that Meta has gone far enough in complying with the DSA obligations to mitigate the risks of harm to children's physical and mental health." Breton continued, "We are tirelessly working to ensure the safety of European children."
Meta has been under investigation for its impact on young users in recent times. They have faced multiple lawsuits by US school districts and state attorney generals regarding youth mental health, child safety, and privacy.
Recently, an investigation by the New Mexico attorney general led to the arrest of three men who were accused of attempting sexual abuse of children, related to Meta's platforms.
Moreover, Meta has frequently been targeted by EU regulators in various matters, including the way they handle advertising by scammers, foreign election meddlers, disinformation, and illegal content connected to the war in Gaza.
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The European Commission is exploring if Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, should face penalties for not adequately addressing the tech-related addictive behaviors among young users, which could potentially result in hefty fines. In light of these concerns, Meta needs to strengthen its business strategies to ensure compliance with the DSA regulations and safeguard the digital well-being of its young users.
Source: edition.cnn.com
