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CNBC reports a new EU preliminary finding that Meta violated the DSA over addictive design features on Instagram and Facebook; broader investigations into Meta's DSA compliance and addictive design risks are corroborated by EC statements and coverage from outlets like Tech Policy Press and NY Post.

1 caveat
  • ▲No independent reports confirm a specific preliminary assessment on addictive features released around July 3-10, 2026; recent Meta findings focus on under-13 access (April 2026) while TikTok received explicit addictive design findings earlier.
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Home/Tech/EU Preliminarily Finds Meta Breached Digital Services Act With Addictive Features on Instagram and Facebook
VERIFIEDBy Xavier Rivera· ·1 min read

EU Preliminarily Finds Meta Breached Digital Services Act With Addictive Features on Instagram and Facebook

The European Commission preliminarily found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act over addictive design features on Instagram and Facebook that risk users’ physical and mental well-being, including minors. The preliminary findings could lead to fines of up to 6% of annual turnover; Meta rejects the assessment and points to Teen Accounts with automatic safeguards.

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EU Preliminarily Finds Meta Breached Digital Services Act With Addictive Features on Instagram and Facebook
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TL;DRAI · 60 sec read

The European Commission preliminarily found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act over addictive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized recommendations on Instagram and Facebook. Regulators say Meta did not properly evaluate risks to user well-being, especially for minors. Meta could face fines of up to 6% of yearly global revenue if the findings are confirmed.

⚐ CORRECTED 

Clarified that the Commission’s July 10, 2026 DSA action is a preliminary finding of breach, not a final determination that Meta violated the law.

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The European Commission has preliminarily found Meta in breach of the bloc's Digital Services Act because of design elements on its Instagram and Facebook platforms that promote addiction.

The EU identifies alleged DSA breaches tied to user well-being risks. Regulators found the company failed to properly assess how certain product choices endangered the physical health of users, reportedly including minors and vulnerable adults, according to a preliminary assessment released Friday.
The features in question are infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalized recommendation systems.

The features in question are infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalized recommendation systems.

Potential fines reach 6% of Meta's annual turnover. If the conclusions are upheld, the social media owner could face penalties as high as 6 percent of its yearly global revenue.
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Meta disputes the conclusions and highlights teen protections. "We disagree with these preliminary findings, which don't accurately take into account the significant steps we've taken to protect teens," a Meta spokesperson said. The company introduced Teen Accounts that "automatically protect teens and put parents in control" by letting guardians restrict nighttime access and limit daily use to 15 minutes.

Meta added that it "share[s] the European Commission's commitment to providing teens with safe, positive online experiences and will continue to engage constructively with them."
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The case remains at the preliminary stage with further process ahead. The European Commission opened its probe into Meta's compliance with the Digital Services Act months earlier.
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