The European Union has launched investigations into Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta Platforms, over concerns that they are not adequately protecting children online. This investigation is part of the EU’s Digital Services Act, a set of regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of internet users. The European Commission is particularly worried about the algorithmic systems used by Facebook and Instagram to recommend content to users, as they fear these systems could exploit children’s vulnerabilities and potentially lead them to harmful or addictive content.
In addition to the concerns about algorithmic recommendations, the commission is also looking into Meta’s age verification tools to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content on Facebook and Instagram. These platforms currently require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. The EU is questioning whether Meta is meeting the DSA rules that require a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors. Meta has stated that they have developed multiple tools and policies over the years to protect young people online and are willing to share details of their work with the European Commission.
These investigations into Facebook and Instagram are part of the EU’s broader efforts to enforce the DSA, which includes stringent measures to protect minors online. Earlier this year, the European Commission opened investigations into TikTok over similar concerns about risks to children. European Commissioner Thierry Breton has expressed doubts about Meta’s compliance with the DSA obligations, particularly in relation to the physical and mental health of young Europeans using Facebook and Instagram. The commission is determined to ensure that platforms like Meta take the necessary steps to safeguard children online.
The cases involving Facebook and Instagram are not the only ones under scrutiny. Both platforms are already being investigated under the DSA for their efforts to combat foreign disinformation ahead of EU elections next month. In addition, other social media platforms and e-commerce sites like X and AliExpress are also facing investigations over their compliance with EU rules. There is no set deadline for these investigations to conclude, but potential violations could result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue. The EU is committed to holding tech companies accountable for their responsibilities to protect minors and ensure a safe online environment for all users.
