The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over concerns that it may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to protect underage users. There are fears that Meta’s algorithms could lead to addictive behavior in children and perpetuate harmful content.
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, has expressed doubts about Meta’s compliance with DSA obligations aimed at safeguarding young Europeans’ physical and mental health. In response, Meta emphasizes its commitment to providing safe online experiences for young users through tools and policies developed over the years.
The investigation was prompted by a risk assessment report submitted by Meta in September 2023 as required by the DSA. The Commission wants to ensure that Meta’s platforms do not exploit minors’ vulnerabilities or contribute to addictive behavior. Additionally, age verification tools and privacy protections for minors are under scrutiny.
Meta is also facing legal challenges in the United States related to the negative impact of its platforms on children’s mental health, fueled by revelations from former employee Frances Haugen. This has led to increased scrutiny of the company’s practices and potential regulatory changes in the social media landscape.
The Commission will thoroughly assess Meta’s compliance with DSA provisions regarding the protection of minors and prevention of harmful content. This investigation complements another procedure opened in April related to political content control and misleading advertising ahead of the European elections. Brussels aims to ensure that social media platforms take necessary precautions to prevent misinformation and foreign interference in democratic processes.
