EU warns Meta to fix addictive Facebook, Instagram features or face 6% global fine

EU regulators warned Meta that Facebook and Instagram must change addictive design features—such as endless scroll, automatic video playback and highly personalised feeds—or face a fine of up to six percent of the company’s global annual turnover. The warning comes under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which also calls for default screen‑time breaks and a recommender system that is less engagement‑driven. Meta said it disagrees with the findings but will continue to engage constructively, pointing to its Teen Accounts tool that lets parents block access at night and cap daily use at 15 minutes. The probe also examines whether Meta allows children under 13 on its platforms and the so‑called “rabbit hole” effect that pushes users toward more extreme content. For Nigerians, who are among the platform’s largest African user bases, any design changes could alter daily scrolling habits, data usage and exposure to content, while stronger parental controls could help families manage screen time for young users. Parents and users should watch for updates like disabled autoplay or periodic break prompts, consider using existing parental‑control tools, and stay aware of how global regulations may shape the platforms they rely on. The outcome could influence how Meta designs its services worldwide, potentially giving Nigerian users more control over their online time and reducing unintended overuse. Parents are encouraged to explore the Teen Accounts feature or similar tools to set limits, while all users should stay alert to any platform updates that alter scrolling or video playback behavior.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/10/eu-tells-meta-to-change-facebook-instagrams-addictive-design/