EU Escalates Probe into Meta Addictive Designs for Children

The European Commission is preparing to intensify its Digital Services Act investigation into Meta, alleging Facebook and Instagram use addictive features targeting children. This follows Meta's June 18 lobbying push in Congress for KOSA immunity from thousands of U.S. child-harm lawsuits. The move builds on the May 2024 probe launch, an April EU charge for breaching child-protection rules, and a March U.S. jury verdict finding Meta negligent. Potential fines could reach 6% of global sales, or roughly $12 billion based on 2025 revenue, amid over 2,000 pending U.S. lawsuits.