EU threatens Meta with multibillion fine over ‘failing child protection’
Instagram and Facebook are once again under fire in Europe. According to the European Commission, Meta’s platforms do not comply with the rules of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU law that requires online services to offer better protection to users. If that conclusion stands, Meta could face a fine of up to €12 billion.
The main objection concerns the protection of children. The Commission argued that Meta is not doing enough to prevent minors from creating accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Children can easily enter a false date of birth, without proper verification. Reporting accounts belonging to children under the age of 13 is said to be needlessly complicated as well.
Under European rules, large online platforms must take active measures to protect young people from harmful content and risks on social media. The EU said Meta is currently falling short in this regard. Around 10% of European children are thought to be active on Facebook or Instagram.
The investigation into Meta has been ongoing since 2024. The company now has the opportunity to defend itself or adjust its policies. If it fails to do so, the EU can impose a fine of up to 6% of Meta’s global annual revenue. Based on 2025 income, that would amount to a maximum of €12 billion.
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