EU intensifies regulatory pressure on Big Tech with Meta findings and Google fine upheld

The European Commission preliminarily found Meta in violation of digital rules, while the EU's top court upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google.

• The European Commission said Meta failed to assess risks from addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram, particularly for children, and demanded default changes to infinite scroll and autoplay.
• Meta rejected the preliminary findings, saying it has taken significant steps to protect teens and will continue cooperating with the Commission.
• Meta launched the AI tool Muse Image, which can generate images using public Instagram profile pictures without notifying users, and said users can opt out via a setting.
• The Court of Justice of the European Union upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google for abusing its dominant position through the Android operating system.

Latest developments

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced new EU-wide restrictions on minors' access to social media to protect children from harmful content and algorithmic influences.