EU Investigates Meta Over Child Safety Failures on Facebook and Instagram

Meta is facing increased pressure from the European Commission after preliminary findings raised concerns about child safety on its platforms. The investigation focuses on whether Facebook and Instagram adequately prevent users under 13 from accessing their services.

The probe, launched in 2024 under the Digital Services Act (DSA), highlights potential gaps in Meta’s approach to age verification and enforcement.

Weak age verification and enforcement under review

According to the Commission’s initial assessment, Meta’s current systems fail to reliably verify user age. Users can easily bypass restrictions by entering false birth dates, with no strong mechanisms in place to confirm their identity.

The findings also point to weak enforcement of existing safeguards. Even when underage accounts get flagged, action does not always follow, raising concerns about the platform’s ability to protect younger users.

Reporting system criticized for complexity

The reporting process itself has also come under criticism. Reporting an underage user can take up to seven clicks, and the form does not automatically include key account details.

This creates friction for users trying to flag violations. In many cases, reported accounts remain active without clear follow-up, which further undermines trust in the system.

Potential DSA violations and financial risks

If the European Commission confirms these findings, Meta could face serious consequences under the DSA. Penalties may reach up to 6% of the company’s global annual revenue.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Meta still has the opportunity to respond before any final decision is issued.

Meta disputes findings as investigation continues

Meta has pushed back against the preliminary conclusions, stating that its platforms are designed for users aged 13 and above. The company says it already uses tools to detect and remove underage accounts.

Despite this, regulators continue to assess whether those measures meet the standards required under EU law.

Broader shifts as Meta doubles down on AI

The scrutiny comes at a time when Meta is reshaping its broader strategy. The company continues to expand its AI energy infrastructure while reportedly planning layoffs affecting around 8,000 employees.

At the same time, its AI ambitions have faced setbacks, including challenges tied to international restrictions, such as China blocking the acquisition of Manus AI.

As the investigation moves forward, the outcome could have lasting implications not only for Meta but also for how major platforms handle child safety across the EU.

Via Neowin