The European Union has accused the online service TikTok of making users especially children addicted through aggressive recommendations that encourage endless scrolling. The platform is being asked to adapt its design. TikTok has rejected the accusations.
The EU has demanded that the Chinese-owned online service TikTok change the way its video platform operates, arguing that it “promotes addictive behavior.” The European Commission stated that initial findings of its investigation show that TikTok does not sufficiently take into account how “these addiction-promoting features may affect the physical and mental health of its users.”
As examples of possible changes, the Commission mentioned removing the “endless scroll” option, introducing effective on-screen breaks, and adjusting the “recommendation system for highly personalized content.” The Commission also criticized the fact that video clips start playing automatically.
The European Commission is calling on the company to fundamentally redesign the service.
Criticism: Children Are Pushily Encouraged to Keep Scrolling
The Commission accuses TikTok of “ignoring important signals that indicate excessive use of the app,” such as the amount of time children spend on the platform late at night. The company must change how it operates in Europe “to protect our minors and their health,” said EU Commissioner for Digital Affairs Henna Virkkunen.
As an example, the Commission points to the continuous “rewarding” of users with new content. This fuels the urge to keep scrolling and puts the brain on “autopilot.” Scientific studies show that this encourages compulsive behavior, and that users’ self-control—especially among young people—suffers as a result.
Digital Services Act a Thorn in Donald Trump’s Side
Brussels launched the investigation in February 2024—the first one against TikTok under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation focuses mainly on determining whether TikTok is taking sufficient measures to avoid negative effects on young users.
The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), among other things, is meant to guarantee compliance with transparency requirements. It also includes measures to combat illegal online content. The law is seen as a major irritant for the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump as well as for several major U.S. technology corporations.
TikTok Rejects the Accusations and Says It Will Defend Itself
The Chinese online company has dismissed the European Commission’s accusations as unfounded and says it will defend itself using all available means. If the Commission’s position is upheld, TikTok could face a fine of up to six percent of its global annual turnover. /DW/
