The European Union has warned Meta that it must disable features such as auto-play and infinite scroll on its platforms or face fines under the Digital Services Act, according to Ars Technica.
Key facts
- Ars Technica reports the EU has told Meta to disable auto-play and infinite scroll features.
- Failure to comply could result in fines under EU rules, according to the report.
- The demand is tied to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).
- The report says the move could force Meta to make significant changes to its platforms.
- The exact fine amounts, timeline and specific compliance requirements were not detailed in the reporting reviewed.
The European Union has warned Meta that it must disable features including auto-play and infinite scroll or risk fines, according to Ars Technica.
Ars Technica reports the warning stems from the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), the bloc’s legislation governing how large online platforms operate, and that the law may force Meta to make significant changes across its platforms.
Auto-play begins the next piece of video or audio content without user input, while infinite scroll allows users to keep viewing new content as they scroll a feed. The report frames both as engagement-driven design features now under EU scrutiny.
Key details remain unclear from the reporting reviewed, including the potential size of any fines, the timeline for compliance and the precise changes Meta would need to make. Meta’s response to the EU’s demand was not detailed in the source.
The development signals the EU’s continued use of the Digital Services Act to press major online platforms operating in Europe over their design choices.
Why it matters
The EU's demand could affect how one of the world's largest technology companies designs its products in Europe and may inform how regulators approach engagement-driven features more broadly. For users, it could mean changes to how they browse and consume content on Meta's platforms, though the full scope is not yet known.
Frequently asked questions
What features does the EU want Meta to disable?
According to Ars Technica, the EU has told Meta to disable auto-play and infinite scroll on its platforms.
What law is behind the EU's demand?
The demand is tied to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which Ars Technica reports may force Meta to make big changes on its platforms.
What happens if Meta does not comply?
Ars Technica reports that Meta could face massive fines if it does not comply.