EU launches probe into Facebook and Instagram to determine whether it is too “addictive”
The European Union(EU) is conducting an investigation into Facebook and Instagram to determine if these platforms are excessively addictive and causing detrimental impacts on the physical and mental health of children.
The inquiry also aims to assess whether adequate measures have been taken to verify users’ ages and how content is recommended to children.
Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), several major tech companies are being scrutinized for potential breaches, which could result in fines of up to 6% of their annual global turnover.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has emphasized its efforts in developing tools and policies over the past decade to protect children.
In response to the investigation, Meta has shared a report on platform risks with regulators, as required by the DSA.
However, concerns persist regarding the platforms’ systems, including algorithms that may contribute to behavioral addictions in children and the “rabbit-hole effects” of recommending similar harmful content.
The EU is particularly interested in Meta’s age verification methods and their effectiveness in ensuring that users are of appropriate age to use the platforms.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton expressed doubts about Meta’s compliance with DSA obligations and emphasized the EU’s commitment to safeguarding young Europeans’ physical and mental well-being.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager echoed these concerns, highlighting potential behavioral addiction stimulation on Facebook and Instagram and questioning the adequacy of Meta’s age verification methods.
This investigation adds to Meta’s existing scrutiny by the EU, which also includes concerns about political disinformation.
Source-BBC
