The EU has told TikTok it must change its 'addictive design' or face heavy fines, after it found the video sharing platform had breached its online safety rules. It follows an investigation which began in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned app by the European Commission. In its preliminary findings, the Commission said TikTok did not 'adequately assess' how features like autoplay could harm the wellbeing of its users, including children, and failed to implement measures to mitigate the risks.
A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC the findings presented a 'categorically false and entirely meritless depiction' of their platform and that the company plans to challenge them. The platform has been invited to respond to the EU's findings. Depending on the outcome, the Commission could fine TikTok up to 6% of its total global annual turnover, estimated to be in the tens of billions. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated that for TikTok to avoid fines, it would need to 'change the design of their service in Europe.'
The Commission suggested several actions TikTok could take, including implementing 'screen time breaks' for night users and altering algorithms that provide personalized content. Additionally, it advised disabling the 'infinite scroll' feature, which allows users to rapidly browse through vast amounts of videos. 'The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users,' Virkkunen emphasized. 'In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.'
A TikTok spokesperson told the BBC the findings presented a 'categorically false and entirely meritless depiction' of their platform and that the company plans to challenge them. The platform has been invited to respond to the EU's findings. Depending on the outcome, the Commission could fine TikTok up to 6% of its total global annual turnover, estimated to be in the tens of billions. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated that for TikTok to avoid fines, it would need to 'change the design of their service in Europe.'
The Commission suggested several actions TikTok could take, including implementing 'screen time breaks' for night users and altering algorithms that provide personalized content. Additionally, it advised disabling the 'infinite scroll' feature, which allows users to rapidly browse through vast amounts of videos. 'The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users,' Virkkunen emphasized. 'In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.'
