The EU is set to initiate an inquiry targeting Meta.
The European Union plans to examine Meta for potentially breaking the guidelines aimed at safeguarding minors. A representative of the authority stated on Thursday that the EU Commission is worried that the systems and algorithms of Facebook and Instagram are encouraging addictive behavior in kids as well as creating "rabbit hole effects".
The practices Meta uses to prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate content are also under scrutiny.
These investigations are being conducted as part of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation requires internet companies to create a risk management system and take tougher action against hate and offensive language on the internet. It also bans what are known as "dark patterns," which include manipulative tactics that keep customers on the platforms or inspire them to make purchases. Non-compliance with these regulations could lead to fines equal to six percent of the company's annual global revenue.
Besides these investigations, the EU is already questioning Meta in another case. The Commission believes that Meta, the owner of the online platforms Facebook and Instagram, isn't doing enough to curb misinformation before the upcoming European elections.
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The European Union's investigations into Meta for potential infringements of regulations protecting minors, as outlined in the Digital Services Act, also encompass scrutiny of the company's methods to stop underage users from accessing inappropriate content. Additionally, the EU is simultaneously conducting an investigation into Meta for allegedly insufficient measures to combat misinformation prior to the upcoming European elections.
Source: www.ntv.de
