TikTok has included several addictive design elements in its app, including infinite scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications, which are in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
According to the Commission’s preliminary findings, TikTok hasn’t adequately assessed how these addictive features could harm minors and vulnerable adults both physically and mentally.
For example, infinite scrolling constantly ‘rewards’ users by offering them new videos, shifting users into ‘autopilot mode.’ This may lead to compulsive behavior and reduce users’ self-control.
In addition, the video-sharing platform has neglected important indicators of addiction, such as the time spent on TikTok at night or the frequency with which users open the app.
“TikTok seems to fail to implement reasonable, proportionate, and effective measures to mitigate risks stemming from its addictive design,” the European Commission concludes, which violates the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The legislation went into force in 2024 and was introduced to protect European consumers and hold Big Tech accountable for its practices. For example, tech companies must be transparent about their platform’s recommender systems and the use of algorithms.
The executive branch of the EU says TikTok needs to change the basic design of its service and disable key addictive features, such as infinite scrolling. Furthermore, the company should implement screen time breaks and adapt its recommender system.
These are the preliminary findings of the European Commission, which do not require TikTok to implement these suggestions right away. But if the Commission’s views are ultimately confirmed, the media platform risks a hefty fine for violating the DSA. Depending on the nature, gravity, recurrence, and duration of the infringement, the fine can go up to 6% of the company’s annual global turnover.
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“Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens,” Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, says in a statement. “The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users. In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.”
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