EU Cites Meta For Failing To Keep Under-13s Off Facebook And Instagram
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the European Commission said Meta violated the Digital Services Act by failing to keep under-13s off Facebook and Instagram, exposing it to fines up to 6% of global revenue.
The Commission said Meta lacks effective systems to stop under-13 sign-ups or to detect and remove under-age accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Meta replied that it already removes under-13 accounts, called age verification an industry-wide challenge, and pledged additional measures soon Meta would roll out.
The episode traces back to Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, whose 2021 disclosures showed Instagram harmed some teen girls' body image and spurred European scrutiny. That pressure produced a September 2022 €405 million fine and helped drive the EU to adopt the Digital Services Act in October 2022, then to designate Facebook and Instagram as very large platforms with extra child-protection duties.
If regulators levy the maximum 6% fine, it could reach about $12.1 billion against Meta, given the company reported $200.97 billion in revenue for 2025. On social media, some users accused Meta of putting growth ahead of child safety, while others said parents should bear more responsibility or asked why regulators target Meta rather than platforms like TikTok.
Meta's challenges in enforcing age restrictions reflect broader systemic issues within the tech industry. As noted by the OECD, the lack of reliable age verification technologies and the economic incentives to maximize user bases contribute to widespread underage access, despite existing policies. This concern is echoed by the World Health Organization, which reported a troubling increase in problematic social media use among European adolescents, rising from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Such data underscores the urgency for effective regulatory measures like the Digital Services Act, which aims to address the shortcomings of self-regulation in tech companies.
On social media, perspectives diverge on the responsibility for safeguarding minors online. While some users, like @aakashgupta, criticize Meta for prioritizing growth over child safety, others, such as @thomasgrusz, argue that parents should take more responsibility. Additionally, criticisms of the EU's approach highlight perceived inconsistencies, with users like @damhuis_rob and @KarloZorec questioning why Meta is targeted while similar issues on platforms like TikTok remain unaddressed. This debate reflects a growing tension between regulatory efforts and personal freedoms, as expressed by @gimmetruez, who views the Digital Services Act as an overreach by unelected officials.
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📊 Relevant Data
Meta Platforms reported an annual revenue of $200.97 billion in 2025. ([Meta Investor Relations](https://investor.atmeta.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2026/Meta-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2025-Results/default.aspx)) ([Meta Investor Relations](https://investor.atmeta.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2026/Meta-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2025-Results/default.aspx)) ([Meta Investor Relations](https://investor.atmeta.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2026/Meta-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2025-Results/default.aspx)) ([Meta Investor Relations](https://investor.atmeta.com/investor-news/press-release-details/2026/Meta-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2025-Results/default.aspx))
Meta Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results — Meta Investor Relations
Problematic social media use among European adolescents aged 11-15 increased from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. ([World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe](https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health)) ([World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe](https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health)) ([World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe](https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health)) ([World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe](https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health))
Teens, screens and mental health — World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
In a 2013-2014 survey, 42% of European children aged 9-12 reported having an underage Facebook account. ([ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285925000099)) ([ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285925000099)) ([ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285925000099)) ([ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285925000099))
Prevalence and Patterns of Social Media Use in Early Adolescence — ScienceDirect
📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta is violating the Digital Services Act on child protection.
- Regulators say Meta lacks effective systems to prevent under‑13 sign‑ups and to detect and remove under‑age accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
- The commission also faults Meta for inadequately assessing risks of “age‑inappropriate experiences” for children younger than 13.
- Violations of the DSA can lead to fines of up to 6% of a company’s worldwide annual revenue, which would be significant for Meta.
- Meta said it already removes under‑13 accounts, called age verification an industry‑wide challenge, and pledged to roll out additional measures soon.
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