Just last night, Sarah found herself aimlessly scrolling through TikTok, the clock ticking past midnight as vibrant videos danced across her screen. She felt an inexplicable pull, one that kept her glued to the app, illustrating a compulsive behavior that raised alarms for regional regulators. Today, European authorities unveiled a preliminary finding that suggests these very addictive features may be breaching EU law, indicating a much larger reckoning for the platform.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, announced that TikTok’s design choices—including its infinite scroll, autoplay, and push notifications—likely violate the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA). According to regulators, TikTok has fallen short in assessing how these features could harm users, particularly the younger audience.
The Commission pointed out that TikTok has not properly acknowledged the risks associated with its features. By ignoring signs of compulsive behavior, such as the extended hours minors spend on the app, the platform is at risk of significant penalties.
Experts have noted that specific design elements on TikTok spark an insatiable urge to keep scrolling, putting users in a state akin to autopilot. This sort of engagement can lead to compulsive behavior and a troubling loss of self-control.
“Social media addiction can harm the developing minds of children and teens,” emphasized Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, in a statement. “The Digital Services Act makes platforms accountable for user impacts. We stand firm in protecting children and citizens online throughout Europe.”
After the preliminary findings, TikTok has a chance to respond before any final judgment is made. Should regulators confirm the violations, the stakes could be high, with fines reaching up to 6% of TikTok’s global annual revenue.
The platform’s response was swift. “The Commission’s preliminary findings depict our platform inaccurately, and we will contest these allegations using all available means,” a TikTok spokesperson shared with Gizmodo.
This inquiry isn’t an isolated case. Launched in 2024, the European investigation into TikTok examines the app’s “rabbit hole effect” and the safety of its young users. The Digital Services Act, effective since 2023, lays down rules that major online platforms must adhere to for user protection.
The Commission suspects that TikTok may need to employ tangible design alterations. These could include disabling infinite scrolling, enforcing screen-time breaks, or modifying its recommendation algorithm.
The scrutiny isn’t limited to Europe, as international governments are now turning a critical eye toward social media’s influence on younger demographics. Australia has already taken bold steps, banning social media accounts for users under 16. Other countries such as Spain, Denmark, and Malaysia are considering similar measures.
In the United States, lawsuits against TikTok and other social platforms continue to grow. These legal battles allege that companies are crafting addictive designs that endanger young users. Just last month, TikTok settled a similar case in California.
This year has also seen a restructuring of TikTok’s U.S. operations, creating a new joint venture with investors like Oracle and Silver Lake. This arrangement aims to comply with a September executive order allowing TikTok to operate under a different leadership framework. Some U.S. politicians have raised concerns about the app’s recommendation algorithm being a national security risk, albeit without specific reasons backing this assertion.
With growing global scrutiny over social media’s impact on youth, will TikTok adapt its strategies to align with regulatory expectations, or will it continue to battle against the tide of change?