EU's addictive-design case moves from TikTok to Instagram and Facebook
Preliminary findings of 10 July cite infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalised recommenders - the retention mechanics common to short-form video.
What this basis means: Regulatory filing, government body, court or industry association.
The European Commission issued preliminary findings on 10 July 2026 that the design of Instagram and Facebook breaches the Digital Services Act, citing infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalised recommender systems. Meta's services are the second case of this kind after TikTok, whose own proceeding remains at the preliminary stage reached on 6 February. A Flash Eurobarometer on children's online safety followed on 13 July.
Microdrama apps are not designated very large online platforms and are not covered by either proceeding. The relevance is indirect: two live enforcement theories now address the same retention mechanics that short-form video products rely on, and the Digital Fairness Act is due in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Companies Meta, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Tracked instrument EU Digital Services Act, EU Digital Fairness Act (proposed)
Sources
- Preliminary findings on addictive design under the Digital Services Act, 10 July 2026 European Commission
- Flash Eurobarometer on children's online safety, 13 July 2026 European Commission