Meta’s social networks Facebook and Instagram are under investigation in Ireland over concerns the platforms’ recommender systems are violating the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), watchdog Coimisiún na Meán announced on Tuesday.
The Irish investigation will look into concerns over deceptive design on Meta’s platforms, including suspicions the company prevents Facebook and Instagram users from accessing non-profiling-based timelines.
Coimisiún na Meán said the probe will focus on Meta’s use of suspected “dark patterns” related to its recommender systems – including in relation to concerns that users can’t modify or access content recommendations that are not derived from the company tracking their activity on its platforms.
The watchdog said it’s concerned that Facebook and Instagram’s interfaces work to discourage users from choosing recommendations that aren’t based on Meta profiling them.
Should the Irish regulator confirm a DSA breach, it’s…
