The European Commission found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act for failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. The company faces potential fines up to $12 billion if it doesn't remedy the violations.
Meta does not have effective measures in place to keep minors off its platforms, according to preliminary findings from a nearly two-year European Commission investigation announced Wednesday.
The ruling targets Meta's compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which sets strict requirements for how tech companies must protect younger users. The Commission determined that the company's current safeguards are inadequate to prevent under-13s from creating and using accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
This marks a significant enforcement action under the DSA, Europe's landmark regulation governing tech platform responsibilities. The preliminary decision gives Meta the opportunity to respond before the Commission issues a final ruling.
The financial stakes are substantial. If Meta fails to address the breaches, the company could face fines reaching up to $12 billion, representing a substantial portion of its quarterly revenue.
The investigation reflects growing European regulatory scrutiny of how major platforms handle child safety and data protection. The DSA requires companies to implement and demonstrate age verification systems, parental controls, and other protective measures to prevent underage access.
Meta has previously stated it uses age-gating technology and other tools to restrict children's access, but regulators found these measures insufficient. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest the company needs to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms and verification processes.
The ruling applies to both Facebook and Instagram, Meta's two largest platforms. The company now has the chance to present its response and propose remedial actions before the Commission finalizes its decision. Meta has not yet publicly commented on the preliminary findings.
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