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The European Union has formally charged TikTok with breaching the bloc’s digital regulations, claiming the popular video-sharing platform employs “addictive design” features that promote compulsive use among children. The preliminary findings, announced Friday, come after a two-year investigation and target core elements of TikTok’s operating model.
EU regulators assert that TikTok has failed to adequately assess how features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling could harm users’ physical and mental well-being, particularly minors and vulnerable adults. The European Commission, which serves as the EU’s executive arm, believes TikTok should fundamentally alter its service design to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a comprehensive regulatory framework requiring social media companies to protect users or face significant financial penalties.
TikTok has categorically rejected the accusations. “The Commission’s preliminary findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to challenge these findings through every means available to us,” the company stated.
Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier outlined specific concerns during a press briefing in Brussels. “TikTok’s features including infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommender systems lead to the compulsive use of the app, especially for our kids, and this poses major risks to their mental health and wellbeing,” he said, adding that the platform’s current safeguards are insufficient.
TikTok now has an opportunity to respond to the Commission’s findings. Should the company’s defense prove inadequate, Brussels could issue a non-compliance decision potentially resulting in fines of up to 6% of TikTok’s total annual revenue.
The EU’s action reflects growing global concern about social media addiction among youth. Australia has already implemented a ban on social media for users under 16, while Spain, France, Britain, Denmark, Malaysia, and Egypt are considering similar measures. In the United States, TikTok recently settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit, while Instagram and YouTube continue to face claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
The platform’s popularity among young users has particularly alarmed regulators. According to Regnier, TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the European Union, with children constituting a majority. He cited data indicating that 7% of children aged 12 to 15 spend between four and five hours daily on TikTok, and that it’s “by far” the most-used platform after midnight by children aged 13 to 18.
The Commission contends that TikTok’s design fuels compulsive scrolling by continuously rewarding users with new content, leading to reduced self-control. Regulators claim the company ignores warning signs of addictive use, such as excessive nighttime usage among minors and frequent app openings.
EU officials are seeking substantial changes to TikTok’s platform, including disabling features like infinite scroll, implementing effective screen time breaks (particularly at night), and modifying its highly personalized recommendation system that delivers an endless stream of video shorts based on user preferences.
TikTok has defended its practices, stating it offers numerous tools such as customizable screen time limits and sleep reminders that allow users to make “intentional decisions” about their time on the app. The company also highlighted its teen account features that enable parental controls and prompt teenagers to log off in the evenings.
The case represents a significant test of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which came into force in 2022 as part of Europe’s broader effort to rein in the power of tech giants and ensure digital platforms operate responsibly. The outcome could set important precedents for how social media companies design their services, particularly regarding features that may promote excessive or compulsive use among vulnerable populations.
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14 Comments
The EU’s focus on the Digital Services Act and penalties for non-compliance suggests they are serious about reining in harmful social media practices. It remains to be seen if TikTok will make meaningful changes.
Agreed. The threat of significant fines could motivate TikTok to overhaul its design and policies, if the EU regulators hold firm.
Interesting that the EU is taking such a strong stance on this. Addictive design features in social apps are a complex issue without easy solutions. I’m curious to see how this regulatory battle plays out.
Yes, it will be important to find the right balance between user protections and allowing innovation in social media platforms. This is a nuanced challenge.
The EU’s focus on the potential harms of TikTok’s ‘addictive design’ is understandable, but the company’s dismissive response is worrying. Social media platforms need to take user well-being more seriously.
Agreed. TikTok should engage constructively with regulators rather than simply rejecting the accusations. An open dialogue is needed to address these concerns.
TikTok’s response of rejecting the accusations outright is not very reassuring. Social media companies need to be more transparent and accountable when it comes to the impact of their platforms, especially on young users.
Absolutely. Denying the issues rather than addressing them constructively is not a good look. TikTok should work cooperatively with regulators on this.
This news highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies and regulators over user privacy, data protection, and platform design. It will be interesting to see if the EU can compel meaningful changes from TikTok.
Definitely a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Transparency and compromise from all parties will be key to finding effective solutions.
This is a concerning development. The addictive design of social media apps that target children is a real issue needing serious attention. Platforms must prioritize user safety and well-being over profit motives.
I agree, the EU is right to scrutinize TikTok’s practices more closely. Protecting minors from potential harms should be the top priority.
Protecting children from the risks of addictive social media is vitally important. However, the EU’s approach may face challenges in balancing user safety with tech innovation and free expression.
That’s a fair point. Striking the right balance will be crucial, as overly restrictive regulations could have unintended consequences.