EU investigates Meta's role in child protection and mental wellbeing
The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into Meta. The probe is centered around concerns that Facebook and Instagram parent may be promoting addictive behavior among children and adversely affecting their mental health. "Today we open formal proceedings against Meta," said Thierry Breton, EU commissioner for the internal market. The commission suspects that Meta could be contravening the Digital Services Act (DSA), a major law implemented by the EU last year to regulate digital firms' accountability for online harms.
EU commissioner questions Meta's compliance with DSA
Breton has expressed skepticism about Meta's adherence to the DSA, particularly its obligations to minimize risks to the physical and mental health of young Europeans using its platforms. The investigation will explore the potential addictive effects of these platforms, often termed as "rabbit hole" effects. This refers to an algorithm that persistently exposes young users to negative content, such as unrealistic body image expectations. "We are sparing no effort to protect our children," Breton said.
Age verification tools and privacy measures under scrutiny
The probe will also examine the effectiveness of Meta's age verification tools and privacy measures for minors. This comes after last month's inquiry into Meta under the DSA regarding its handling of political content amid concerns over insufficient efforts to counter Russian disinformation ahead of the EU elections in June. Preliminary investigations by EU officials suggest that Facebook and Instagram "may exploit the weaknesses and inexperience of minors and cause addictive behavior."
Meta responds to EU's investigation
In response to the investigation, a spokesperson from Meta stated: "We want young people to have safe, age-appropriate experiences online and have spent a decade developing more than 50 tools and policies designed to protect them. This is a challenge the whole industry is facing, and we look forward to sharing details of our work with the European Commission."
