The European Union has launched an investigation into Meta, formerly known as Facebook, and its subsidiary Instagram, to examine their impact on the mental well-being of children. Growing concerns about the negative effects of these platforms on young users’ emotional health have prompted this inquiry. The European Parliament has criticized Meta’s products for potentially exploiting vulnerabilities and inexperience to create addictive features. Regulators have the authority to impose fines on Meta, which could amount to 6% of its global revenue, reaching $135 billion last year, and also demand changes to the company’s products, as reported by The New York Times.

Meta has faced legal actions and scrutiny for its algorithms and recommendations that specifically target children to boost engagement. Regulators have announced collaboration with their American counterparts in this investigation. Meta is accused of violating a law on Digital Services, implemented in 2022 to make online platforms more proactive in influencing their content and shaping public opinion, thus reducing risks for children.

Although children under 13 years old can create accounts on Meta’s platforms, EU regulators will thoroughly examine the issue of age verification during the investigation. The company has acknowledged the potential risks posed by its social services to young people and has introduced measures to allow parents and guardians to restrict their children’s use of Instagram or Facebook. However, there are still limitations on stricter content controls. Advertisers have also been criticized for targeting vulnerable users on Meta’s platforms.