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Tech
Apr 29, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Meta Found in Breach of EU Digital Services Act Over Child‑Safety Failures

AI Summary
The European Commission says Meta violated the EU Digital Services Act by not preventing under‑13 users from accessing Facebook and Instagram. The breach could lead to a fine of up to 6 % of the company’s annual revenue, intensifying calls across Europe for stricter social‑media rules for children.

The European Commission’s preliminary findings have concluded that Meta breached the EU’s Digital Services Act by failing to keep children under 13 off Facebook and Instagram, opening the door to a fine of up to 6 % of its global turnover.

EU Commission Finds Meta Violated Digital Services Act on Child Age Checks

The commission’s two‑year investigation uncovered that Meta’s age‑verification mechanisms are ineffective: children can create accounts using a false birthdate, and the platform’s reporting tool for under‑age users is “difficult to use and not effective.” Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s lead tech policy official, said the platforms are doing “very little” to enforce their own 13‑plus age rule.

Potential Financial Penalties and Revenue Context

  • Maximum fine: 6 % of global annual turnover.
  • Meta’s reported revenue for 2025: $201bn (£148bn).
  • Potential fine amount: roughly $12bn if the maximum penalty is applied.

These figures illustrate the scale of financial risk the company faces if the preliminary findings are upheld.

Broader Implications for Child Safety Regulations Across Europe

The ruling arrives amid a wave of legislative activity: Spain is pushing a ban for under‑16s, France has voted for restrictions for under‑15s, and the UK is exploring age‑or‑functionality limits for under‑16s. The commission’s findings could accelerate EU‑wide policy harmonisation and set a precedent for stricter enforcement of the Digital Services Act on other platforms.

What Comes Next for Meta and EU Policy Makers

Meta now has the opportunity to examine the investigation file and mount a defence. If the final decision confirms the breach, the company will face a multi‑billion‑dollar fine and will likely be required to overhaul its age‑verification and reporting systems. Regulators may also expand the scope of the DSA to address algorithmic “rabbit‑hole” effects that push young users toward harmful content, prompting further compliance costs and product redesigns.