The European Commission has initiated an official inquiry into Meta to evaluate whether Facebook and Instagram have contravened the Digital Services Act (DSA) concerning child protection.
The DSA, passed by the European Union last summer, imposes responsibility on companies with a digital presence for issues like misinformation, fraud, and child abuse.
Following initial inquiries, EU officials are concerned that Facebook and Instagram could exploit children’s vulnerabilities and inexperience, potentially fostering addiction.
The “rabbit hole effect” happens when an algorithm progressively suggests more extreme and negative content to users (e.g., hate speech, eating disorders).
In particular, the investigation will delve into the addictive nature of Meta’s platforms and whether they induce a “rabbit hole effect” for children. It will also scrutinize their privacy safeguards and age verification processes, as users under 13 are prohibited from opening accounts.
This marks the Commission’s second probe into Meta’s DSA violations this year, the first relating to curbing Russian disinformation ahead of the European elections.
Meta has responded by stating that it has crafted “over 50 tools and policies aimed at safeguarding children” and acknowledges it as “a challenge confronted by the entire industry.
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