Disable autoplay and infinite scroll or risk massive fines, EU tells Meta

The European Commission has determined that Meta's Facebook and Instagram use addictive design features like autoplay, infinite scroll, and personalized recommendations that fuel compulsive user behavior, particularly affecting minors and vulnerable adults. The commission is recommending that Meta disable these features by default and implement screen time breaks, with the threat of fines up to 6 percent of the company's global annual turnover under the Digital Services Act if it does not comply. Meta disputes the findings and has pointed to existing protections like teen accounts and parental controls, but the commission argues these measures are insufficient because they require user action or technical expertise to be effective. The company faces additional legal pressure from U.S. states seeking penalties in a lawsuit alleging its platforms addict children, creating mounting financial pressure at a time when Meta is investing heavily in artificial intelligence development.