TikTok Faces Penalties for Violating EU Regulations on Addictive App Features
On Friday, TikTok faced charges from the EU for allegedly breaching online content regulations. The European regulator highlighted the app’s addictive features, warning that failure to modify its design could result in fines of up to 6% of ByteDance’s global revenue.
The focus of the EU’s scrutiny is TikTok’s design elements that promote addictive behavior. Features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and a highly personalized recommendation system have been flagged as contributing to compulsive usage.
In response, TikTok criticized the European Commission’s findings, asserting that the charges misrepresent the platform. A spokesperson stated, “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.”
Read more: Move to Ban Social Media for Kids Gains Traction Across Europe
This regulatory action highlights the EU’s ongoing efforts to rein in Big Tech, a move that has drawn criticism from the U.S. government regarding potential censorship and threats of tariffs. The charges were issued following a year-long investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that large online platforms take greater responsibility for addressing illegal and harmful content.
The Commission pointed out that TikTok’s design encourages users to continuously consume content, effectively putting their brains into “autopilot” mode. This addictive nature raises concerns about the physical and mental wellbeing of users, particularly minors and vulnerable adults.
Furthermore, the EU regulator accused TikTok of neglecting critical indicators of compulsive usage, such as the amount of time minors spend on the app at night and how frequently users open it. The Commission emphasized that TikTok has not implemented reasonable measures, like screen time management tools or parental controls, to mitigate these risks.
Change Addictive Features
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated, “So now we are expecting after that … TikTok has to take actions and they have to change the design of their service in Europe to protect our minors.” The Commission has suggested that TikTok disable its infinite scroll feature over time, implement effective screen time breaks, and adapt its recommendation system.
Virkkunen also mentioned that investigations into other online platforms are progressing, with decisions expected in the coming weeks and months. Notably, Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram were charged with DSA violations last October for their deceptive interface designs.
In addition, EU regulators have sought information from Snapchat, YouTube, Apple, and Google regarding their age verification systems and measures to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in Europe, where countries like France and Spain are considering bans on social media access for teenagers, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward technology perceived as addictive.
Australia recently became the first country to block children under 16 from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Virkkunen reiterated that age limits should be determined by individual countries rather than centrally from Brussels, although a unified approach would be beneficial.
EU lawmaker Alexandra Geese commended the EU’s actions against TikTok, stating, “Many social media platforms ruthlessly exploit these (addictive) mechanisms to boost advertising revenue at the expense of the health of children and teenagers. This must come to an end.”
TikTok has the opportunity to review the Commission’s documents and respond in writing before a final decision is made. Last month, the app settled a lawsuit concerning social media addiction ahead of a trial involving Meta and YouTube. Additionally, TikTok previously settled charges related to a DSA requirement for an advertisement repository to help users identify scam ads.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Alexander Smith)
On Friday, TikTok faced charges from the EU for allegedly breaching online content regulations. The European regulator highlighted the app’s addictive features, warning that failure to modify its design could result in fines of up to 6% of ByteDance’s global revenue.
The focus of the EU’s scrutiny is TikTok’s design elements that promote addictive behavior. Features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and a highly personalized recommendation system have been flagged as contributing to compulsive usage.
In response, TikTok criticized the European Commission’s findings, asserting that the charges misrepresent the platform. A spokesperson stated, “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.”
Read more: Move to Ban Social Media for Kids Gains Traction Across Europe
This regulatory action highlights the EU’s ongoing efforts to rein in Big Tech, a move that has drawn criticism from the U.S. government regarding potential censorship and threats of tariffs. The charges were issued following a year-long investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that large online platforms take greater responsibility for addressing illegal and harmful content.
The Commission pointed out that TikTok’s design encourages users to continuously consume content, effectively putting their brains into “autopilot” mode. This addictive nature raises concerns about the physical and mental wellbeing of users, particularly minors and vulnerable adults.
Furthermore, the EU regulator accused TikTok of neglecting critical indicators of compulsive usage, such as the amount of time minors spend on the app at night and how frequently users open it. The Commission emphasized that TikTok has not implemented reasonable measures, like screen time management tools or parental controls, to mitigate these risks.
Change Addictive Features
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated, “So now we are expecting after that … TikTok has to take actions and they have to change the design of their service in Europe to protect our minors.” The Commission has suggested that TikTok disable its infinite scroll feature over time, implement effective screen time breaks, and adapt its recommendation system.
Virkkunen also mentioned that investigations into other online platforms are progressing, with decisions expected in the coming weeks and months. Notably, Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram were charged with DSA violations last October for their deceptive interface designs.
In addition, EU regulators have sought information from Snapchat, YouTube, Apple, and Google regarding their age verification systems and measures to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in Europe, where countries like France and Spain are considering bans on social media access for teenagers, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward technology perceived as addictive.
Australia recently became the first country to block children under 16 from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Virkkunen reiterated that age limits should be determined by individual countries rather than centrally from Brussels, although a unified approach would be beneficial.
EU lawmaker Alexandra Geese commended the EU’s actions against TikTok, stating, “Many social media platforms ruthlessly exploit these (addictive) mechanisms to boost advertising revenue at the expense of the health of children and teenagers. This must come to an end.”
TikTok has the opportunity to review the Commission’s documents and respond in writing before a final decision is made. Last month, the app settled a lawsuit concerning social media addiction ahead of a trial involving Meta and YouTube. Additionally, TikTok previously settled charges related to a DSA requirement for an advertisement repository to help users identify scam ads.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Alexander Smith)
