Particle.news
Download on the App Store

EU Finds TikTok’s Addictive Design Likely Breaches Digital Services Act

The Commission is weighing remedies that could mandate design changes or fines up to 6% of global revenue.

Overview

  • In preliminary findings, the European Commission says TikTok’s interface fosters compulsive use through features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and a highly personalised recommender.
  • Investigators cite internal documents and scientific research indicating reward loops that put users on “autopilot,” with particular risks to minors and vulnerable adults.
  • Current safeguards are deemed ineffective, with parental controls seen as too complex and screen‑time tools easy to ignore.
  • TikTok rejects the assessment as completely false and unfounded and will contest it in a written response.
  • Next steps include consultation of the EU Digital Services committee and a potential non‑compliance decision, with related probe strands on researcher data access and ad transparency already addressed in 2025.