TikTok Faces EU Action Over Addictive Design

The European Union has issued a directive to TikTok demanding substantial modifications to its "addictive design" or face substantial financial penalties, following findings that the video-sharing platform breached online safety regulations.

The European Commission's investigation, initiated in February 2024, yielded preliminary findings indicating that TikTok inadequately assessed the potential harm of features such as autoplay and infinite scroll on user wellbeing, particularly among minors. Furthermore, the platform failed to implement sufficient mitigation measures to address these risks.

While TikTok vehemently contests these findings, characterizing them as a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction," the Commission maintains its position. Should TikTok fail to comply, it faces fines reaching 6% of its total global annual turnover—potentially amounting to billions.

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized that platforms bear responsibility for their effects on users under the Digital Services Act. Proposed remedial actions include implementing nocturnal screen time breaks, algorithmic modifications, and disabling infinite scroll functionality. Social media expert Matt Navarra characterized this as a "seismic shift" in regulatory approach, noting that authorities are now targeting "toxic design" rather than merely toxic content. Professor Sonia Livingstone observed that young users themselves are demanding such changes, frustrated by platforms' prioritization of profit over wellbeing.