EU Says Meta Fails to Prevent Under-13s Accessing Facebook and Instagram

In Brief

The EU's findings highlight ongoing regulatory concerns about children's online safety and compliance with digital laws by major tech companies.

Key Facts

• The European Commission has found Meta in breach of EU law regarding underage users on its platforms.
• Meta does not have effective measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, according to the Commission.
• The findings were issued as preliminary results of an investigation lasting nearly two years.
• The breach concerns access to Facebook and Instagram specifically.
• The European Union has formally communicated these findings to Meta.

What Happened

The European Commission announced preliminary findings that Meta is not effectively preventing children under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram, constituting a breach of EU law.

Why It Matters

This development underscores regulatory scrutiny of tech companies' responsibilities to protect minors online and enforce age restrictions, potentially influencing future enforcement actions and industry practices.

What's Next

Further steps may follow as the investigation concludes and Meta responds to the Commission's findings. Regulatory or legal actions could be considered depending on Meta's compliance.