EU to ramp up Meta probe into addictive design: Bloomberg
Regulation, Child Safety, Legal
Negative
Meta faces an intensifying regulatory challenge in Europe, with the European Commission reportedly preparing to advance its probe into allegations that the company deliberately designs its platforms to be addictive to children. The bloc is said to be preparing preliminary findings, though no announcement date has been set. The investigation, conducted under the Digital Services Act, was first opened in mid-2024 over concerns that Meta had not adequately addressed risks to minors. The company has previously been charged with breaching EU tech rules and instructed to do more to prevent children under 13 from accessing its social networks.
Separately, Meta is reportedly lobbying U.S. lawmakers in Washington to secure legal protections that would shield social media companies from certain claims related to minors' safety and privacy. The EU is also said to be considering curbs on Meta similar to measures announced by the UK and other countries, pending recommendations from an expert panel. Meta and the European Commission have not publicly commented on the Bloomberg report, which Reuters was unable to independently verify.
Why it matters
An escalating EU regulatory probe could result in significant operational restrictions or financial penalties for Meta under the Digital Services Act, potentially affecting its advertising-driven business model in a major market. Simultaneously, Meta's lobbying effort in the U.S. signals growing legal exposure on child safety issues across multiple jurisdictions.
Key facts
European Commission is reportedly preparing preliminary findings in its probe into Meta's allegedly addictive platform design targeting children. • The original Digital Services Act investigation into Meta was first opened in mid-2024 over child safety concerns. • Meta has previously been charged by the EU with breaching tech rules regarding access by children under 13. • Meta is lobbying U.S. lawmakers for legal protections related to minors' safety and privacy claims.