Last May 16, the European Commission (the “Commission”) opened formal proceedings to assess whether Meta, the American multinational technology conglomerate that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, among other products and services, may have infringed the Digital Services Act (“DSA”) in matters concerning child protection.
The Commission is concerned that both Facebook's and Instagram's systems, including their algorithms, may stimulate behavioral addictions in children. In addition, the Commission is also concerned about the age verification and assurance methods established by Meta.
The Commission will now carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority and will continue to gather evidence, for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting interviews or inspections.