The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for potential violations of online content rules related to child safety on its platforms. The investigation aims to address concerns regarding the algorithmic systems used by Facebook and Instagram, which may exploit the vulnerabilities and lack of experience of children and promote addictive behavior.
Specifically, the Commission is examining whether these systems contribute to creating a "rabbit hole" effect, leading users, including children, towards increasingly disturbing content. Additionally, the investigation will assess the effectiveness of age-assurance and verification methods implemented by Meta to protect minors using its platforms.
The investigation is being carried out under the Digital Services Act (DSA), legislation designed to compel major tech companies to enhance their efforts in safeguarding European users online, especially children. The DSA includes strict provisions to protect children's privacy and security online.
Thierry Breton, the EU's internal market commissioner, expressed doubts about Meta's compliance with DSA obligations, particularly regarding the mitigation of risks to the physical and mental health of young Europeans using Facebook and Instagram.
In response, Meta stated its commitment to providing safe online experiences for young people and highlighted its efforts in developing tools and policies over the past decade aimed at protecting them. Meta acknowledged the industry-wide challenge and expressed readiness to cooperate with the European Commission's investigation.
The investigation could potentially lead to fines, reaching up to six percent of a platform's global turnover, or even bans for serious and repeat violations. Facebook and Instagram are among the 23 "very large" online platforms required to comply with the DSA, along with other platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
This investigation is part of the EU's broader efforts to address online safety concerns, including disinformation and negative effects on young people's mental health. Previous probes have targeted platforms like TikTok over similar issues, indicating the EU's proactive stance in regulating online platforms to protect its citizens.
