Finally, the ability to choose on Instagram and Facebook
It took some time, but from now on (most) users (in the Netherlands) can choose which timeline they see on Instagram and Facebook. The one Meta wants you to see, or one with just the posts of your friends and the organizations you follow, in chronological order.
Considering the dominant role social media has in our public debate, it’s important you can choose where your information comes from. Do you want to see content from your friends or organizations you follow, or content Meta wants you to see? Because the information you’re shown shapes how you view the world around you.
Make Meta less addictive again
Starting this year, dutch users are offered a choose again. When you open Instagram or Facebook, you can choose Meta’s timeline (‘for you’) or a chronological timeline based on accounts you follow (‘following’). And that choice is saved. For instance, when you switch between you direct messages and then switch back to the timeline, or when you close and reopen the app, the following timeline is still the one that you see. This is true for the landing page, when you open the app, as well as the Reels page and the overview of reactions on content.
No endless scrolling. No rabbit hole. No time drain. In short: more control over what your attention is drawn to.
This new ability to choice hasn’t remained unnoticed. We’ve been flooded with messages from people who are incredibly happy with the friend-only timeline. People seem to experience it as a relief. The content doesn’t include psychological tricks to keep you hooked, which results in users reporting less time spend online. And foremost, the endless scroll isn’t possible anymore. No rabbit hole. No time drain. In short: more control over what your attention is drawn to.
Our interest and rights
Meta obviously didn’t make the change of their own accord. The company always puts her own interest first. You as a user and we as a society come second at best. Meta has every interest in getting to deciding what you see. That way she can keep you on her platforms longer, generating more income from advertisments. Meta uses every kind of sneaky trick to keep you hooked and redirect your attention back to her timeline. That was a violation of the law.
Meta implemented changes because we forced Meta. We’re happy the judge agreed with us; Meta had to update her platforms. She was given until the end of 2025. Taking stock of the situation now, we see that Meta has largely complied with the judge’s orders. The coming period we will ensure Meta fully complies with all orders.