EU Charges Meta Over Under-13 Access, Threatens 6% Turnover Fine
EU regulators have issued preliminary findings that Meta breached the Digital Services Act by allowing 10–12% of European users under age 13 access to Facebook and Instagram after a two-year probe. Meta faces potential fines up to 6% of annual turnover and must update risk methodologies.
1. Preliminary EU DSA Charges
EU regulators have issued preliminary findings that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms allowed 10–12% of European users under age 13 to register accounts, breaching requirements set by the Digital Services Act after a two-year investigation. The enforcer demands significant changes to Meta’s age-gating and risk assessment protocols.
2. Potential Fines and Compliance Requirements
Under the Digital Services Act, breaches can result in fines up to 6% of annual turnover, creating substantial regulatory risk for Meta. The company must submit revised risk methodologies and demonstrate effective age verification measures to avoid financial penalties once the Commission finalizes its decision.
3. Meta's Response and Future Measures
Meta disputes the preliminary findings and highlights existing tools to detect and remove underage accounts, pledging to unveil additional safeguards next week. The company has the opportunity to respond formally before regulators issue a final ruling, expected in the coming months.