EU Declares TikTok’s ‘Addictive’ Design Violates European Law
The European Commission has highlighted that TikTok’s design features are in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission’s preliminary findings point to TikTok’s addictive design as a catalyst for user compulsive behavior. Features such as infinite scrolling continuously deliver new content, keeping users engaged without breaks.
Concerns Over User Protection
Regulators express serious concerns regarding the impact of TikTok’s design on children and teenagers. Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president of the European Commission, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding young users’ mental health. She remarked, “Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens.”
Limitations of Current Safeguards
- Daily Screen Time Feature: This function aims to help users manage their time on the app. However, it has been criticized for being easily ignored by users.
- Parental Controls: TikTok’s “Family Pairing” tool allows parents to set screen time limits. Yet, many parental controls require significant input and technical knowledge from parents, limiting their effectiveness.
Recommendations for Change
To comply with the DSA, the European Commission insists that TikTok must adjust its service’s fundamental design. Proposed changes include:
- Disabling infinite scroll features
- Implementing effective screen time breaks
- Altering the app’s video recommendation algorithms
TikTok’s Response
In a statement to Euronews Next, TikTok countered the Commission’s findings, describing them as “categorically false.” The company asserts that it provides various tools for users to manage their screen time. Features include sleep reminders and new well-being missions that reward users for adhering to time limits.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation, which began in 2024, assesses TikTok’s compliance with the DSA. This EU legislation mandates online platforms to effectively manage risks, moderate content, and ensure transparency. The Commission’s inquiry has focused on TikTok’s internal assessments and behavioral addiction research.
Potential Outcomes
The current findings are preliminary, meaning no penalties have been finalized. TikTok will have the chance to review these findings and reply with its solutions. Further consultations with the European Board for Digital Services will follow, potentially leading to a compliance decision.
Should TikTok fail to comply, it could face fines amounting to 6% of its global annual revenue. Meanwhile, TikTok has proposed enhancing its app to address the Commission’s concerns.
