Irish regulators are investigating whether Meta is using 'dark patterns' to steer people away from non-algorithmic feeds

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May 5, 2026, 7:57 PM

• •Irish regulators are investigating Meta over DSA compliance.
• •Concerns focus on 'dark patterns' used to discourage alternative feed options.
• •Meta could face significant fines if found in violation.
• •Meta denies any wrongdoing and plans to cooperate with the investigation.

Irish regulators have launched two investigations into Meta, scrutinizing the company's compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) in Europe. The investigations focus on whether Meta is sufficiently offering users alternatives to targeted algorithmic feeds on Facebook and Instagram, as required by the DSA. The regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, is responding to complaints that Meta may be using "dark patterns" to steer users away from these alternative feeds. If Meta is found in violation, it could face substantial fines, up to 6% of its global revenue; Meta denies the allegations.

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