A Probe into Facebook and Instagram
This has prompted the European Union to investigate Facebook and Instagram regarding child protection concerns formally. This comes after the European Commission said that in August 2023, it would look into Meta’s services as per the Digital Services Act (DSA). The main aim is to ensure these platforms adhere to the new rules guiding online safety for children. This demonstrates increased uneasiness over the welfare and privacy of young users on social media networks, resulting in a higher level of EU concern.
Why is this Announcement Important?
The significance of this announcement lies in formal investigations, which will provide additional investigative powers to the European Commission against Facebook and Instagram, like searching offices or taking provisional measures. Such authorities allow for a thorough assessment of Meta’s policies and their compliance with DSA requirements. Should Meta be found guilty of contravening DSA, it may face substantial fines of up to 6% of its global revenues. It is worth noting that this potential fine underscores the EU’s commitment to digital safety regulations.
VLOPs
Meta’s (Facebook and Instagram) two social media platforms have been designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) by the European Commission under DSA. Officials at the European Commission suspect the company is not doing enough to keep kids safe from harm while using its resources. They particularly focus on how both social media sites present addictive content that algorithmically displays similar videos to those a kid watches, thus exposing the role of the algorithm.
Child Protection Concerns
The controllers seek to decide if these sites are taking sufficient measures to prevent underage people from using their services. Moreover, they have raised broader concerns about the security and well-being of young people who are repeatedly online.
According to the European Union (EU), Meta (Facebook and Instagram) violates Articles 28, 34, and 35 of DSA, thus warranting an in-depth examination. Similarly, the same organization commenced a similar investigation into TikTok in April 2024. Likewise, the European Commission is conducting separate investigations into last month’s Meta action on elections.
