EU launches 'child safety' investigation into Meta: Fines on the horizon

The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into Meta on the grounds that it has failed to comply with Union rules regarding the protection of minors on Facebook and Instagram.

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The EU Commission has announced the launch of a formal investigation to determine whether Meta has violated the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas related to the protection of children.

In its statement, the Commission noted that Facebook and Instagram systems, including their algorithms, could encourage behavioral addictions in children and lead to what is known as the "rabbit hole effect." It was also stated that the age verification methods implemented by Meta are problematic.

The statement indicated that the Commission will continue to collect additional information and evidence on the matter.

STRICT RULES IN PLACE

Under the EU law that came into effect last year, major digital platforms operating in Europe are subject to strict rules. Technology companies are required to implement various measures to combat illegal and harmful content on their platforms.

The EU can impose fines of up to 6 percent of their global turnover on digital platforms that violate the rules.