European Commission Says TikTok's Addictive Design Breaches Digital Services Act
EU Commission says TikTok's addictive design features breach the Digital Services Act, with fines of up to 6% of global turnover possible.
The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that TikTok is in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) over features it says are designed to keep users hooked, including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender system.
The Commission's investigation found that TikTok failed to adequately assess the risks these features pose to the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, particularly minors and vulnerable adults. According to the Commission, features that constantly "reward" users with new content fuel compulsive scrolling and shift the brain into "autopilot mode," with scientific research linking such design to reduced self-control.
The investigation also found that TikTok disregarded key indicators of compulsive use, including the amount of time minors spend on the app at night and how frequently users open it throughout the day.
TikTok now has the right to examine the Commission's investigation files and respond in writing to the preliminary findings. The European Board for Digital Services will also be consulted as part of the process.
If the findings are ultimately confirmed, TikTok could face a fine of up to 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover.
The case marks another significant step in the EU's efforts to hold major tech platforms accountable under the DSA, which came into force to ensure safer online environments across the bloc.
