EU lawmakers demand Brussels force Meta to ‘protect’ European children
The 27-nation EU has pushed Meta to alter its "addictive design", similar to a change the tech giant has also promised in some US states following legal action.
European lawmakers are urging the European Union executive to force Meta to modify the addictive design of its platforms in Europe, similar to the pledge made in some US states, according to a letter obtained by AFP on Thursday. Meta recently agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion and introduce strict new restrictions on teenagers' use of Facebook and Instagram, including an automatic nighttime block, as part of a landmark court settlement.
The 27-nation EU has been advocating for similar changes and previously urged Meta to alter its "addictive design" in a finding that the company disputed. A letter, dated Wednesday and signed by French EU lawmaker Stephanie Yon-Courtin and 51 other MEPs, urges Brussels to act swiftly and compel Meta to act. The European Commission, the EU's digital regulator, should conclude its investigation into Meta without further delay and impose non-compliance penalties if necessary.
The lawmakers emphasized that European children should receive the same level of protection as their American counterparts, as the EU framework is the most stringent in the world. They also suggested the EU be prepared to temporarily block access to platforms if other measures fail and cause significant harm. The lawmakers accused Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of failing to fulfill a political commitment to safeguard online spaces for minors.
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