# EU Orders Meta to Change 'Addictive Design' of Instagram and Facebook The design of Instagram and Facebook violates digital safety laws. - **Source:** [NYT > Technology](https://brifing.si/source/decc78ce-c15d-4060-967b-334c94229615) - **Published:** 2026-07-10 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b574d631-26f2-43b5-bfb4-96832c57b457 ## EU's Warning to Meta European Union authorities announced that Meta's use of 'addictive design' on Instagram and Facebook platforms violates digital safety laws. This points to manipulative design techniques aimed at increasing user time spent on the platforms. ## Digital Safety Law The EU's digital safety law aims to ensure users spend time online safely and ethically. Meta's design strategies were deemed a violation of this law, and the company was asked to change its design. ## What is Addictive Design? Addictive design includes psychological techniques used to keep users on platforms longer. Elements like infinite scroll, notifications, and reward mechanisms are often used to manipulate user behavior. ## Meta's Response Meta has not yet officially responded to the EU's warning, but the company has made design changes in similar situations before. This could lead the social media giant to reevaluate its user experience. ## Impact on Users Addictive designs can negatively affect the mental health of users, especially younger ones. The EU's move highlights the need for digital platforms to prioritize ethical designs that focus on user well-being. ## Digital Ethics and the Future The EU's warning to Meta could mark the beginning of a new era in digital platform design ethics. User safety and well-being should be at the core of platform designs. This step could set an example for other companies as well. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/business/meta-instagram-facebook-europe.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._