The European Commission’s preliminary finding says TikTok’s addictive features—such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a highly personalised recommender—breach the Digital Services Act by failing to assess and mitigate harms to children and vulnerable users. Regulators warn TikTok’s current safeguards are insufficient and may require structural changes or formal non-compliance measures with potential fines under the DSA. #TikTok #DigitalServicesAct
Keypoints
- The Commission found TikTok’s core design features are engineered to maximise engagement.
- TikTok reportedly did not adequately evaluate or mitigate risks to minors’ physical and mental wellbeing.
- Scientific evidence links endless-reward design patterns to compulsive behaviour and reduced self-control.
- Existing tools like screen-time limits and parental controls are easy to bypass and ineffective in practice.
- If confirmed, the Commission could force design changes or impose fines of up to 6% of global turnover.
Read More: https://thecyberexpress.com/tiktok-addictive-design-breaches/