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EU Launches Investigation into Meta's Facebook and Instagram Over Child Safety Concerns

May 16, 2024, 03:09 PM

The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Meta Platforms, focusing on its social media sites Facebook and Instagram. The probe, initiated on May 16, 2024, aims to determine whether these platforms have breached EU online content rules related to child safety. The investigation is driven by concerns that Meta's platforms may be contributing to addictive behaviors in children, including the so-called 'rabbit hole effect,' and failing to provide adequate age verification and privacy protections. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that online platforms mitigate risks to the physical and mental health of young users. If found in violation, Meta could face significant fines.