Brussels Calls on Meta to Take Tougher Measures to Protect Teenagers in Europe

Following an agreement reached in several U.S. states, the European Union has called on Meta to introduce similarly strict restrictions in Europe on teenagers’ use of Facebook and Instagram.

The European Commission has found that Meta violated the Digital Services Act and has asked the company to make changes to ensure its platforms are safer for children.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said that responsibility now lies with the company. “The ball is in Meta’s court,” he said, calling for minors in Europe to receive at least the same level of protection as those in the United States.

European institutions have raised concerns about unlimited scrolling, the automatic playback of videos and content tailored to users, as these features may encourage addiction. For this reason, the EU is calling for measures to manage screen time and strengthen parental controls.

In the United States, Meta has agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion. The agreement also provides for the automatic blocking of use during the night and limiting teenagers’ use to two hours a day.

Meta could face a fine in Europe of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover if it fails to address the concerns raised by Brussels.