NGThe European Union has warned Meta that it must alter the 'addictive design' of Facebook and Instagram or face significant financial penalties. The EU claims these platforms pose risks to users, particularly children and vulnerable adults, due to features like infinite scrolling, personalized feeds, and autoplay video. EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen emphasized the need to prioritize user health, and the European Commission outlined potential design changes, including disabling addictive features by default and improving screen time management. Meta disputes the findings but agrees to engage with the EU. The EU previously issued similar warnings to TikTok and is now considering broader protections for children online, with some member states advocating for restrictions on social media access for minors.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the EU's actions as a necessary regulatory intervention to protect users, particularly children, from harmful platform designs. It emphasizes the EU's proactive stance against 'Big Tech' and highlights concerns over digital well-being, which aligns with progressive regulatory aims
