EU Alleges TikTok's 'Addictive Design' Violates Digital Safety Laws

Brussels, Belgium – The European Union has taken a significant step in its regulatory scrutiny of social media giants, with the European Commission announcing a preliminary finding that TikTok's core features constitute an "addictive design" in breach of the bloc's stringent Digital Services Act (DSA). This ruling, if finalized, could compel the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform to fundamentally alter its app or face hefty financial penalties.

The Commission's investigation, which began in February 2024, focused on how TikTok's signature functionalities, such as its personalized recommender system, infinite scroll, autoplay videos, and push notifications, may negatively impact the physical and mental well-being of its users, particularly minors and vulnerable individuals. According to the EU regulator, these features are designed to "fuel the urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain of users into ‘autopilot mode’," potentially leading to compulsive behavior and diminished self-control.

"Today, the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for its addictive design," stated the EU's regulator in a press release. The commission argues that TikTok failed to implement adequate safeguards to mitigate the risks associated with these addictive features. Current parental controls and screen time limitation tools offered by TikTok are deemed insufficient by the Commission, suggesting that modifications to the infinite scroll and recommendation algorithms may be necessary.

TikTok has vehemently contested the preliminary findings, with a spokesperson telling The New York Times that the Commission's assessment presents a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform." The company has vowed to "use any means available" to challenge the ruling, indicating a potential protracted legal battle.

This latest development follows previous EU investigations into TikTok concerning its data sharing practices and advertising transparency, where the company has also faced criticism. If found in violation of the DSA, TikTok could be liable for fines of up to six percent of its total annual worldwide turnover, a figure that could amount to tens of billions of dollars.

"TikTok told to change 'addictive design' by EU or face massive fines," reports AOL News, highlighting the potential financial repercussions for the platform. The EU tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, was quoted as saying that if TikTok wishes to avoid fines, it would need to "change the design of their service in Europe." The Commission has reportedly suggested specific actions, including the implementation of "screen time breaks," particularly during nighttime usage, and adjustments to its algorithms that curate personalized content for users.

The Guardian also reports that the preliminary ruling indicates TikTok has "ignored indicators of compulsive use." The ongoing investigation by the European Commission underscores the bloc's commitment to enforcing the Digital Services Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at holding major online platforms accountable for the content and design features they offer, and for protecting users from potential harms.

AP News notes that the EU is "seeking changes to protect users" from what it perceives as harmful design elements. The preliminary ruling provides TikTok an opportunity to present its case and rebut the Commission's findings. The outcome of this process will determine whether the social media giant must comply with the EU's demands for structural changes or face the full force of regulatory penalties.

The investigation's progression from preliminary findings to a final decision will be closely watched by the tech industry and regulators worldwide, as it sets a precedent for how digital services are governed and how user well-being is prioritized in the design of online platforms.