IRELAND PROBES META'S 'DARK PATTERNS' ON FEEDS

Ireland's Data Protection Commission is looking into whether Meta employs 'dark patterns'—design features that manipulate user behavior—to steer people away from non-algorithmic feeds on Facebook and Instagram. European regulations mandate that large platforms offer feed alternatives that don't rely solely on algorithmic recommendations. Meta currently provides options like chronological feeds, but regulators are examining whether the company makes these alternatives intentionally inconvenient or visually unappealing. Dark patterns include tactics such as burying options in menus, using confusing language, or displaying warnings that discourage their use. These practices can make default algorithmic feeds appear more attractive by comparison. The investigation represents another regulatory challenge for Meta in Europe, where authorities have increasingly scrutinized its compliance with digital services laws. The outcome could require Meta to redesign how it presents feed options to users.