Irish Regulators Are Investigating Whether Meta Is Using 'Dark Patterns' To Steer People Away From Non-Algorithmic Feeds

Ireland’s media regulator has launched two investigations into Meta over whether Facebook and Instagram make it too hard to access chronological, non-targeted feeds in the EU.

The probe follows complaints that Meta may be using dark patterns to steer users toward algorithmic, profiling-based feeds instead of the choice required under the Digital Services Act.

Meta says it has already made changes to comply with EU rules and will cooperate with the regulator.

The case could force changes to how feed options are presented in Europe and expose Meta to significant DSA penalties.