Newsletter
The European Union (EU) seems to be very serious about the usage of apps and the tech environment in the region. Facebook and Instagram are now under the radar of the European Union. The Union is starting an investigation into whether these apps cause addiction. And if they have subsequent side effects on the mental and physical health of children.
EU starts investigation of Facebook and Instagram for being addictive
The European Union has initiated an investigation against the popular social media apps; Facebook and Instagram. The apps are reportedly not taking any action to safeguard the mental and physical health conditions of the minors who use them. The Union doesn’t want any children in their country using Instagram and Facebook to have negative effects because of the apps.
As per the official statement, Meta is not following the Digital Services Act (DSA) for its apps. The DSA is a law in Europe that enforces certain rules and limits on digital services and platforms. The apps are accused of causing “behavioral addictions” in children. Subsequently, it’s been said that these apps also cause a “rabbit-hole effect.”
EU says that despite knowing the side effects, Meta is doing nothing to protect the mental and physical state of children. The authority also says even though Meta has age-limit verification, it’s not effective. Hence, it doesn’t stop children from accessing inappropriate content.
The Union will investigate Meta’s algorithm
This investigation will look into whether Meta is doing enough to protect children from seeing inappropriate content. It will also examine Meta’s algorithm and recommendation system. If Meta is breaking the rules of DSA, then the EU will fine it up to 6 percent of the firm’s global revenue. Apple was also warned of this fine recently.
Meta claims that it has “spent a decade developing more than 50 tools and policies” to protect children. EU, on the other hand, says it will spare no efforts to protect its youths.