The European Commission has formally warned Meta that its Facebook and Instagram platforms may be in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to design features deemed potentially addictive. According to the Commission, infinite scroll, autoplay videos, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation algorithms are under scrutiny for encouraging excessive use, particularly among younger users.

The DSA, which took full effect in 2024, requires very large online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including those related to user well-being and mental health. Meta’s classification as a very large platform means it faces heightened obligations to ensure its systems do not contribute to harmful behaviors or exploitation.

For content creators, these algorithmic features directly influence content visibility and audience engagement. Infinite scroll and autoplay keep users on-platform longer, while personalized recommendations determine which posts appear in feeds—making them central to how creators grow their audiences. Any changes to these systems could significantly affect reach, watch time, and monetization potential.

While the Commission has not yet imposed fines, it has signaled that non-compliance could lead to penalties of up to 6% of global annual turnover under the DSA. Meta has not publicly responded to the warning, but the company has previously stated it invests in tools to promote healthy usage, such as time management features and content controls.

Creator Newsdesk will continue to monitor how regulatory actions in Europe may shape platform policies and, by extension, the strategies creators use to build and sustain their audiences online.