TikTok Under EU Pressure to Change Addictive Design Features

TikTok is facing mounting pressure from the European Union after regulators formally called on the platform to modify what they describe as addictive design elements, warning of potential heavy fines under the Digital Services Act.

In preliminary findings from a two-year investigation, the European Commission stated that TikTok has not taken sufficient measures to address the platform’s negative effects, particularly on minors and vulnerable users.

Concerns Over Design and Algorithms

EU officials argue that TikTok features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommendation algorithms encourage compulsive usage.

Regulators warn that these mechanisms may harm users’ mental well-being, especially children, and consider the company’s current mitigation efforts inadequate.

Company Response and Legal Options

TikTok has rejected the EU’s preliminary conclusions, describing them as inaccurate, and pledged to challenge the findings through all available legal channels.

The company will now have access to the investigation’s results to present its defense, marking the first formal action taken against the platform under the EU’s Digital Services Act, a broader regulatory framework targeting major technology firms.

Proposed Safeguards for Minors

Regulators have suggested implementing mandatory screen breaks, particularly at night, and adjusting content recommendation systems to limit excessive use.

The EU maintains that these steps are necessary to strengthen user safety and protect minors.