The EU has told TikTok it must change its 'addictive design' or face heavy fines, after it found the video sharing platform had breached its online safety rules. It follows an investigation which began in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned app by the European Commission.
In its preliminary findings, the Commission said TikTok did not 'adequately assess' how features like autoplay could harm the wellbeing of its users, including children, and failed to implement measures to mitigate the risks. A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC the findings presented a 'categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform' and it planned to challenge them.
The platform has been invited to respond to the EU's findings. Depending on the outcome of this step, the Commission could fine TikTok up to 6% of its total global annual turnover - estimated to be in the tens of billions. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen told reporters that if TikTok wanted to avoid being fined, it would have to 'change the design of their service in Europe'.
The Commission provided several recommendations, including implementing 'screen time breaks' for users at night and altering algorithms that deliver personalized content. Furthermore, it suggested TikTok disable 'infinite scroll', which enables rapid cycling through content. The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users, Virkkunen stated. In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.\
In its preliminary findings, the Commission said TikTok did not 'adequately assess' how features like autoplay could harm the wellbeing of its users, including children, and failed to implement measures to mitigate the risks. A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC the findings presented a 'categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform' and it planned to challenge them.
The platform has been invited to respond to the EU's findings. Depending on the outcome of this step, the Commission could fine TikTok up to 6% of its total global annual turnover - estimated to be in the tens of billions. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen told reporters that if TikTok wanted to avoid being fined, it would have to 'change the design of their service in Europe'.
The Commission provided several recommendations, including implementing 'screen time breaks' for users at night and altering algorithms that deliver personalized content. Furthermore, it suggested TikTok disable 'infinite scroll', which enables rapid cycling through content. The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users, Virkkunen stated. In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.\
