The European Commission has issued a preliminary finding that the design of Meta’s Instagram and Facebook apps violates the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns over addictive user experiences. According to the assessment, features such as infinite scroll and autoplay contribute to compulsive usage patterns, raising alarms about their impact on user well-being, particularly among younger audiences.

The DSA, which took full effect in 2024, imposes strict obligations on very large online platforms to mitigate systemic risks, including those related to addictive design and mental health. The Commission’s preliminary view suggests that Meta’s current interface choices may fail to meet these requirements, potentially triggering further investigation or enforcement actions.

For content creators, this development underscores growing regulatory scrutiny over how platform design influences engagement and audience behavior. While infinite scroll and autoplay boost watch time and ad exposure, they may now face legal challenges in the EU, prompting creators to consider diversifying distribution strategies and advocating for more transparent, user-centric platform features.

Meta has not yet issued a formal response to the preliminary findings. The company will have an opportunity to respond before any final decision is made. If upheld, the outcome could lead to mandatory design changes, fines, or adjustments to how Meta operates its services in the European market.

Creators relying on Facebook and Instagram for audience reach should monitor updates closely, as shifts in platform functionality could affect content visibility, engagement metrics, and long-term growth strategies in one of the world’s largest digital markets.