The European Commission has charged TikTok with violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to concerns over the potential harm caused by its recommendation system on the For You page. The EU’s regulatory body stated that the algorithm’s tailored approach means users see more of the same type of content the more they interact with it.
“This design can be detrimental when users are repeatedly exposed to content related to feelings of sadness, isolation, or body image,” the Commission noted. “Such ‘rabbit holes’ can negatively affect users’ mental health, particularly among vulnerable adults and children.”
In its initial assessment, the regulator indicated that TikTok has not done enough to analyze how the algorithm could lead users into these harmful cycles, nor has it implemented adequate measures to address these risks. The Commission pointed out that simply clicking the “not interested” button on a video might not effectively change a user’s content feed.
It urged TikTok to modify the design of the For You page by placing greater emphasis on users’ explicit preferences, halting the use of viewing time as a recommendation metric, improving user controls, and frequently testing the algorithm. Should TikTok fail to adequately address these issues, and if the EU confirms the findings, its parent company ByteDance could face fines of up to six percent of its annual global revenue.
TikTok has denied the allegations. “The Commission has made a series of fundamentally inaccurate statements that misrepresent our platform’s structure and our dedication to user safety,” it stated in a response to media inquiries. “We have a proven track record of safeguarding our community while providing users with straightforward control over their content experience.”
The preliminary findings emerged as part of a broader EU investigation into TikTok that began in early 2024. Earlier this year, the bloc accused TikTok of violating the DSA due to the app’s “addictive design.” Additionally, in July, officials criticized TikTok for failing to protect the privacy of minor users’ accounts.
Globally, regulatory bodies have increased scrutiny on social media platforms, particularly regarding their influence on children. Recently, Google, Meta, and TikTok filed a lawsuit against California over a law prohibiting social media companies from providing access to potentially “addictive features” for users under 16.
