The European Commission is preparing to further intensify its investigation into Meta over concerns related to the negative impact of social media platforms on children.
According to media reports, the main focus of the investigation is to determine whether design features used in Facebook and Instagram—intended to keep users engaged for longer periods—are deliberately aimed at targeting children.
Reports suggest that this move is being seen as a significant step toward introducing some of the strictest global regulations on the practices of technology companies regarding minors.
The European Union is expected to soon release its initial findings regarding the design practices of Facebook and Instagram, although regulators have not yet set a final date for the announcement.
According to the report, the European Commission is awaiting recommendations from a panel of experts next month, after which stricter restrictions—similar to those in the United Kingdom and other countries—may be imposed.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has long faced criticism over youth online safety and the impact of its platforms on mental health. However, both the European Union and Meta have so far declined to officially comment or provide further details on the matter.
Meta has been under strict legal and regulatory scrutiny by the European Commission since 2024 under the Digital Services Act regarding risks to children.
In March this year, a court in Los Angeles also issued a landmark ruling holding Meta and Google responsible for designing addictive social media platforms harmful to teenagers.
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