TikTok is facing potential fines from the European Commission under the EU Digital Services Act for addictive features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommendation systems that may harm users’ physical and mental well-being. Preliminary findings say TikTok failed to assess risks to minors and vulnerable adults and must change core design elements—such as adding screen time breaks and adapting recommendations—or face penalties up to 6% of global turnover. #TikTok #DigitalServicesAct #IrishDPC #GDPR
Keypoints
- The European Commission alleges TikTok’s design promotes compulsive scrolling through constant content rewards.
- Preliminary findings indicate TikTok did not adequately assess harm to minors and vulnerable adults.
- Regulators flagged ignored indicators like nighttime use by minors and frequent app openings.
- Confirmed violations could lead to fines up to 6% of TikTok’s global annual turnover.
- TikTok is required to implement measures such as screen time breaks and changes to its recommendation system.