The European Union intends to oblige social networks to provide users with the ability to disable features that provoke excessive use of platforms. The restrictions will also affect chatbots, which simulate personal relationships and encourage people to continue communicating.
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Subject to the new rules, as reported Bloombergthe largest technology companies, including Meta, may fall✴Google and ByteDance, which owns TikTok, as their services actively use mechanics aimed at increasing the duration of interaction with the audience. The European Commission is already investigating the activities of Meta✴ and TikTok over allegations of addictive design. The checks are carried out within the framework of the Digital Services Act, which regulates the operation of Internet platforms.
According to the draft, adult users should be given the ability to disable such features themselves if they contribute to compulsive or excessive use of platforms. The corresponding requirements are provided for by the draft Digital Fairness Act, for violation of which companies may face fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue.
In addition, the European Union intends to require social networks and AI developers to create secure services by default. These provisions will be part of the broader EU Kids Act, which also includes restrictions on social media use by teenagers. The Digital Fairness Act is scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday. The European Commission has not yet commented on its contents.
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