Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is currently under investigation by the European Union for potential breaches of the bloc’s strict online content law regarding child safety risks. The EU’s executive body, the European Commission, has raised concerns about whether Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, may be contributing to behavioral addictions in children and creating what is known as “rabbit-hole effects.” This investigation comes after a preliminary analysis of a risk assessment report provided by Meta in September 2023.
The European Commission is particularly worried about the adequacy of age verifications on Meta’s platforms and the privacy risks associated with the company’s recommendation algorithms. It questions whether Meta has implemented sufficient measures to protect the physical and mental health of young Europeans who use its social media platforms. The EU’s commissioner for internal market, Thierry Breton, stated that the regulator is unconvinced that Meta has taken adequate steps to comply with the obligations outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA) to mitigate the risks posed to young users.
The European Union has announced that it will be conducting an in-depth investigation into Meta’s child protection measures as a matter of priority. This investigation will involve gathering evidence through requests for information, interviews, and inspections. The initiation of a DSA probe provides the EU with the authority to take enforcement actions, such as imposing interim measures and non-compliance decisions. Additionally, Meta could potentially make commitments to address the concerns raised by the EU.
Meta is not the only U.S. tech giant facing increased regulatory scrutiny from the European Union. Since the introduction of the Digital Services Act, which aims to address harmful content online, Meta and other tech companies have come under the microscope. The DSA allows the EU to impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenues for violations, though no fines have been issued to tech giants under this law as of yet.
In addition to the EU’s probe into Meta’s potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, the company is also facing investigations related to its handling of election disinformation. Earlier this year, the EU launched a separate investigation into Meta amid concerns about the spread of disinformation leading up to the European Parliament elections. This adds to the legal challenges that Meta is currently facing on multiple fronts.
Beyond the EU’s investigation, Meta is also facing legal action in the United States over child safety concerns. The attorney general of New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that Facebook and Instagram enabled child sexual abuse, solicitation, and trafficking. In response, a Meta spokesperson emphasized the company’s use of sophisticated technology and preventive measures to combat predatory behavior on its platforms.
Overall, the EU’s investigation into Meta’s child safety risks underscores the growing regulatory challenges faced by tech companies operating in the social media space. As the scrutiny intensifies, Meta will need to demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with its platforms, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable users like children and young Europeans.