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EU charges Meta with breaching rules over child safety on Facebook and Instagram
Meta Platforms is facing charges from EU regulators for allegedly failing to protect children under 13
Meta Platforms is facing formal charges from European Union (EU) regulators for allegedly failing to protect children under 13 on Facebook and Instagram, in what could become one of the most significant enforcement actions under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The European Commission announced on Wednesday that both platforms did not do enough to prevent underage users from accessing their services, despite clear age restrictions.
The case follows a two-year investigation into how major tech companies enforce child safety rules online.
According to preliminary findings, regulators believe Meta’s current systems for identifying and removing users under the age limit are insufficient.
The Commission estimated that between 10% and 12% of children under 13 in Europe are still actively using Facebook and Instagram, raising concerns about exposure to inappropriate and potentially harmful content.
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said the platforms’ safeguards are not strong enough, stressing that “terms and conditions should not be mere written statements, but rather the basis for concrete action to protect users – including children.”
Under the Digital Services Act, large online platforms are required to actively reduce systemic risks, including harm to minors, and ensure stricter enforcement of age restrictions.
Regulators are now demanding that Meta revise its risk assessment methods and introduce stronger tools to detect, prevent, and remove underage users.
Meta has the opportunity to respond to the allegations and implement corrective measures before a final decision is made.
However, if found in breach, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue — potentially amounting to billions of dollars.
The case adds to growing pressure on Big Tech companies in Europe, as regulators increasingly focus on child safety, algorithmic responsibility, and online platform accountability under the EU’s evolving digital rulebook.
