Addictive Design Warning from Avrupa Komisyonu to Meta

Following its preliminary investigation, the Avrupa Komisyonu concluded that Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) violated the Avrupa Dijital Hizmetler Yasası'nı (DSA). The Commission determined that these social media platforms used design elements that could cause user addiction. In this context, it was reported that the company was warned to comply with the relevant legal requirements and was asked to make serious changes. Otherwise, the company could face massive sanctions. Details regarding the matter were first shared with the public by BBC News.

Among the main features criticized by the Commission are the autoplay of videos, the infinite scrolling feature offering an endless feed, and personalized content recommendations. According to the Avrupa Komisyonu, this endless content feed puts users' brains on autopilot, paving the way for unhealthy habits. It is emphasized that children and young adolescents, in particular, are negatively affected by such design dynamics. Authorities argue that Meta failed to adequately assess the psychological and behavioral risks these design elements could create. The company is also stated to lack sufficient measures to monitor the time children spend on the platforms.

The Avrupa Komisyonu called on Meta to make radical changes to the design of both social networks. It became clear that Meta will face a very serious financial penalty if the Commission's findings are finalized. It was announced that under the relevant law, the company could be forced to pay a fine of up to six percent of its total annual turnover. According to calculations reported by Euronews, this rate corresponds to approximately 11 billion euros based on the company's 2025 revenue data. This situation reveals how high the compliance costs in the European market can be for tech giants.

A Meta spokesperson speaking to BBC News stated that the company is open to cooperation regarding the matter. The spokesperson noted that they share the Avrupa Komisyonu's goals of ensuring that young people have safe and positive experiences on the internet. Furthermore, it was expressed that the dialogue maintained with the Commission is continuing constructively and that steps will be taken when necessary. It is also known that the company can present additional evidence and data to defend itself until the investigation process is completed. However, independent technology and health experts argue that the company must take concrete and transparent steps beyond these statements.

On the other hand, this development is interpreted as a harbinger of new and comprehensive regulations regarding social media usage across the European Union. According to information obtained by Euractiv, Avrupa Komisyonu President Ursula von der Leyen is considering announcing plans to ban children's social media use in September. The fact that the necessary legal framework for this ban has not yet been fully established and how the age limit will be determined create great uncertainty. In parallel, the ban introduced by Avustralya in 2024 for children under 16, taking a pioneering step in this field worldwide, is drawing attention. It is known that İngiltere is also planning to enact similar restrictions soon.