The European Union (EU) has initiated a formal investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over concerns about child protection on these platforms. The investigation focuses on allegations that the two social media platforms are contributing to aggressive behavior and harming the mental health of children. If found in violation, Meta could face significant fines.

The European Commission's investigation stems from complaints that Facebook and Instagram are detrimental to children's behavior and mental well-being. The British media outlet, The Guardian, reported that the EU executive body is examining whether Meta has breached the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law passed last year aimed at curbing addictive behaviors on social media, preventing the spread of misinformation, and combating online scams.

In response to the investigation, Meta has stated that it has been implementing various tools and methods over the past decade to safeguard young users online. The company emphasized that this is a challenge faced by the entire industry and expressed its readiness to present its efforts to the European Commission.

If Meta is found to be in violation of the DSA, it could face fines of up to six percent of its global annual revenue. According to Meta's latest financial report, the company's overall revenue in 2023 was $134.9 billion. This means that potential fines could reach up to $8 billion, equivalent to approximately 94,000 crore rupees.

The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Meta and the broader social media industry, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and the implementation of child protection measures.