EU Says Meta Failing To Stop Under-13s From Using Facebook, Instagram

The European Union (EU) has said Meta is failing to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, exposing them to potentially inappropriate content and risking a major financial penalty.

European regulators said their investigation found that children could easily create accounts by entering false dates of birth, while Meta lacked effective systems to verify users’ real ages.

The findings form part of a broader effort by the European Union to strengthen online child protection, as several member states consider banning social media use for children under 16.

The EU is also examining the possibility of introducing a bloc-wide age limit for social media access, following Australia’s decision to ban under-16s from using such platforms.

According to the EU, Meta breached digital content rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and must strengthen its measures to prevent, detect, and remove under-13 users from both platforms.

EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen said terms and conditions should not be mere written statements but must be backed by concrete actions to protect users, especially children.

Under Meta’s own policies, the minimum age for using Facebook and Instagram is 13.

Regulators also criticised Meta’s reporting system for underage users, describing it as difficult to use and ineffective, noting that users may need up to seven clicks just to access the reporting form.

The EU further stated that Meta failed to properly assess the risks of children under 13 gaining access to the platforms and being exposed to age-inappropriate experiences.

Brussels said Meta’s own risk assessment contradicted evidence across Europe showing that between 10 and 12 percent of under-13s are using the platforms.

If the EU’s preliminary findings are confirmed, Meta could face a fine of up to six percent of its total worldwide annual turnover.

Meta, however, rejected the findings, insisting that both Facebook and Instagram are designed for users aged 13 and above.

A company spokesperson said the firm already has measures in place to detect and remove accounts belonging to underage users and would continue engaging with EU regulators.

The investigation, launched in May 2024, is also examining whether the design of Facebook and Instagram contributes to addictive behaviour and negatively affects users’ physical and mental wellbeing.

The EU has recently increased scrutiny of major technology platforms, including TikTok and adult content websites, as part of wider efforts to improve online safety for children.