European regulators have determined that Meta Platforms is failing to effectively prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, according to preliminary findings released Wednesday. The determination could result in substantial financial penalties for the technology company.
The investigation, conducted under the Digital Services Act, revealed that Meta’s current measures to enforce its own minimum age requirement of 13 years are inadequate. European officials found the company lacks effective controls to verify users’ ages and prevent minors from creating accounts by simply entering false birth dates.
According to the regulatory findings, Meta’s reporting mechanism for flagging underage users proved particularly problematic. The system requires up to seven clicks to access the reporting form, making it difficult for concerned users to report potential violations. This cumbersome process undermines efforts to identify and remove accounts belonging to children below the age threshold.
The investigation also highlighted Meta’s insufficient risk assessment regarding minors accessing their platforms. European officials noted that the company’s evaluation contradicts substantial evidence suggesting that approximately 10 to 12 percent of children under 13 across Europe use Facebook or Instagram. These young users potentially face exposure to content unsuitable for their age, including material involving bullying, harassment, and violence.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Union’s technology commissioner, emphasized that terms and conditions should serve as more than written statements. She stressed they must form the foundation for concrete protective measures, particularly when safeguarding children online.
The preliminary findings emerge amid broader European efforts to enhance online protections for minors. Several member countries are currently considering social media restrictions for users under 16, while European officials explore the possibility of implementing bloc-wide age limits on social media platforms. These discussions have intensified following Australia’s recent legislation banning social media use for individuals under 16.
Meta faces potential fines of up to 6 percent of its global annual revenue if the preliminary findings are confirmed. A company spokesperson responded to the findings by stating that Instagram and Facebook are designed for users aged 13 and older, and that the company has implemented measures to detect and remove accounts from younger users. The spokesperson added that Meta would continue engaging with European regulators on this matter.
The investigation into Meta, initiated in May 2024, extends beyond age verification issues. Regulators continue examining how the company protects users’ physical and mental wellbeing, as well as concerns about potentially addictive design elements on both Facebook and Instagram platforms.
European officials have also announced the development of an age-verification application, with plans for deployment across member states by the end of 2026. This tool represents part of a comprehensive approach to digital safety for minors.
The regulatory action against Meta follows similar enforcement measures targeting other technology platforms. In February, European officials warned TikTok about its platform design, while last month, investigations revealed that four adult content platforms, including Pornhub, were allowing minors to access inappropriate material. Snapchat also faces scrutiny over suspected child protection failures.
These enforcement actions reflect Europe’s increasingly assertive stance on technology regulation, particularly regarding child safety online. The Digital Services Act provides regulators with enhanced authority to address what they describe as excessive practices by major technology companies.
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