The European Union is reportedly preparing to step up its investigation into Meta over concerns that its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, may be designed to keep children hooked for longer periods. The European Commission believes these platforms may use features that affect mental health, wellbeing and online safety of young users. Meta is lobbying for legal protections under the proposed Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to limit lawsuits against platforms like Instagram concerning online safety for users under 18. The EU first launched an investigation into Meta in 2024 under the Digital Services Act (DSA). In the United States, Meta faces thousands of lawsuits from families and young users claiming Facebook and Instagram contributed to mental health issues, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviour. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms harmful to young users. In April, European regulators accused Meta of failing to stop children under 13 from using its platforms. The EU is now considering stricter measures similar to steps in the United Kingdom and Australia. Meta has repeatedly said it is investing in safety tools, parental controls and age-verification technologies.