# EU Orders Meta to Alter 'Addictive Design' of Instagram and Facebook Meta warned for violating digital safety laws. - **Source:** [NYTimes Technology](https://www.nytimes.com/section/technology) - **Published:** 2026-07-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bf3f0af5-8395-4959-9f2e-ca4686c919cb ## EU's Warning to Meta European Union authorities announced that Meta's use of 'addictive design' on Instagram and Facebook violated digital safety laws. This has led to renewed scrutiny of the platforms' impact on users. ## What is Addictive Design? Addictive design refers to techniques that encourage users to spend more time on platforms. These methods manipulate user behavior to create long-term engagement. ## Violation of Digital Safety Laws EU authorities stated that Meta compromised users' digital safety. This violation has raised concerns about how platform designs could harm users' psychological well-being. ## Meta's Response Meta has yet to issue an official statement regarding the EU's warning. However, the company is expected to review its platform designs to comply with regulations. ## Impact on Users Addictive design has particularly negative effects on younger users. This situation necessitates a reevaluation of digital platforms' responsibilities. ## The Future of Digital Platforms The EU's decision could reshape how digital platforms approach design and user experience. This may be a significant step for users' digital safety and well-being. ## 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._