Irish regulators are examining whether Meta is using sneaky tactics to prevent users from switching to non-algorithmic feeds on Facebook and Instagram. The investigation comes amid concerns that Meta might be making it hard for people to access alternative feed options that aren’t driven by profiling. This issue is part of a broader effort to ensure social media platforms follow new European rules designed to give users more control over what they see.

Regulators Investigate Meta’s Compliance with European Laws

Ireland’s internet watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán, announced it’s looking into Meta’s practices following complaints from users. The complaints claim Meta is using “dark patterns” — manipulative design tricks — to steer people away from choosing non-algorithmic feeds on Facebook and Instagram. These alternative options, like chronological feeds, are supposed to be easy to find and use, but the regulator suspects that’s not always the case.

The investigation focuses on whether Meta is making these options visible enough and whether the company is actively discouraging users from opting out of personalized, algorithm-driven feeds. This scrutiny is part of the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which took effect across Europe in 2023. The law requires big platforms to offer clear, accessible alternatives to profiling-based feeds.

What the Digital Services Act Requires from Platforms

The DSA aims to make online platforms more transparent and give users more choices. It mandates that platforms like Meta provide easy-to-access options for users to see content chronologically or without profiling. In response, Meta added some options for Stories and Reels in the EU, but regulators now question if these are easy enough to find and use.

According to Coimisiún na Meán, if companies hide these options or make them difficult to activate, it could be considered a dark pattern — a tactic to manipulate user behavior. The regulator emphasized that it’s unacceptable for platforms to prevent users from exercising their rights or to try to steer them away from making informed choices about their feeds.

If Meta is found guilty of breaching the DSA, the company could face hefty fines. The law allows penalties of up to 6 percent of the company’s global revenue, putting significant financial pressure on big tech firms to comply with transparency rules.

Meta Responds to the Irish Investigation

Meta has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson told Engadget that the company disagrees with the suggestion it has violated the DSA. They said Meta has made substantial changes to its processes and systems to meet the new legal requirements. The company also said it intends to work with Irish regulators to share details about these efforts.

While Meta argues it is complying, the investigation highlights ongoing concerns about how social media platforms design their feeds. Critics worry that such “dark patterns” could influence user behavior and limit their ability to access unbiased or less filtered content. This case underscores the importance of transparency and user rights in the digital age.

As regulators continue their review, the outcome could set an example for other platforms to follow, ensuring users get genuine choices and aren’t unknowingly pushed toward algorithmic content. The result could shape how social media companies design their interfaces in Europe and possibly beyond.

Inspired by

• https://www.engadget.com/2165473/irish-regulators-are-investigating-whether-meta-is-using-dark-patterns-to-steer-people-away-from-non-algorithmic-feeds/

Sources

• cnam.ie
• wikipedia.org