Facebook and Instagram: Concerns Mount Over Potential Addiction

EU Investigates Facebook and Instagram’s Impact on Children

The European Union is checking if Facebook and Instagram are safe for kids. They want to make sure these apps aren’t causing harm to children, both physically and mentally.

Big companies like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, could get big fines if they’re not following the rules. Meta says it’s been working for ten years to make its apps safer for kids.

The EU got worried after Meta sent them a report about the risks of using their apps. They’re concerned that Facebook and Instagram might make kids spend too much time on them and see things they shouldn’t.

They’re also checking if Meta is good at checking how old people are before they use the apps. Even though you’re supposed to be 13 to use them, lots of younger kids still have accounts.

Thierry Breton, who works for the EU, isn’t sure if Meta is doing enough to keep kids safe on their apps. Another person from the EU, Margrethe Vestager, is worried that Facebook and Instagram might be too addictive for kids and that Meta’s way of checking ages might not be good enough.

This investigation is making things tough for Meta, especially since they’re already in trouble with the EU for other things like political news. They’re under pressure to fix these problems and make sure kids stay safe online.