The European Commission has issued a preliminary ruling that TikTok’s infinite scroll, auto‑play and recommendation algorithm likely form an "addictive design" that may breach the EU’s Digital Services Act. Regulators say the design risks the mental and physical health of children and other vulnerable users. TikTok rejects the findings and will contest the ruling while the probe continues. The move follows increased EU enforcement of the 2024 DSA, after X was fined roughly $140 million last year.
EU Regulators Say TikTok’s Algorithm and ‘Addictive Design’ Likely Violate the Digital Services Act
European Union regulators say TikTok may be in violation of the Digital Services Act due to the risk it poses for addictive and compulsive behavior. File Photo/EPA
European Union regulators have issued a preliminary finding that TikTok’s user experience — including infinite scroll, auto‑play and its recommendation algorithm — likely constitutes an "addictive design" that may breach the Digital Services Act (DSA).
What the Commission Found
In a preliminary assessment released Feb. 6, the European Commission said internal and external evidence indicates TikTok’s product design can drive compulsive, autopilot viewing. The commission cited features that continually reward users with fresh content as contributing to extended, often unconscious sessions that can harm mental and physical well‑being, particularly for children and other vulnerable adults.
Scope and Next Steps
The finding is preliminary and does not automatically trigger enforcement action. The commission said it is continuing its probe and is not prejudging the final outcome. If regulators conclude the platform breaches the DSA, TikTok could be ordered to change the core design of its service and face penalties under EU law.
TikTok's Response
“The commission's preliminary findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform,” TikTok said, adding it intends to challenge the assessment.
Context
TikTok has more than 1 billion users worldwide, including roughly 200 million in Europe. The EU has stepped up enforcement of the DSA, a 2024 law intended to make online platforms safer and more transparent. Last year, X (formerly Twitter) became the first platform fined under the DSA — about $140 million — for transparency breaches tied to paid verification and for blocking research into advertising practices.
Related Legal Developments
Similar allegations have led to lawsuits in the United States. TikTok recently settled a California suit alleging harms tied to social media addiction, and further litigation and regulatory scrutiny continue in multiple jurisdictions.
Bottom line: The EU’s preliminary finding could force major product changes at TikTok if the probe concludes the platform violates the DSA; TikTok disputes the assessment and plans to appeal.
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