TikTok’s addictive design features violate European Union digital regulations, according to a European Commission conclusion. The EU’s executive body identified infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, push notifications, and highly personalised recommendations as key elements that make the social media app addictive.
The Commission also found that the Chinese social media giant failed to adequately assess how these addictive features affect the physical and mental health of its users. This concern particularly applies to minors and vulnerable adults.
While this finding does not lead to an immediate fine, TikTok now has the opportunity to present its defence. If the response is deemed insufficient, the Commission could impose a fine of up to 6 per cent of TikTok’s total global annual turnover.
The Commission stated that the app’s design encourages users to keep scrolling by “rewarding” them with new content. Scientific research shows that this design can lead to compulsive behaviour and reduced self-control. Furthermore, the Commission claims that TikTok ignored clear indicators of compulsive use, such as minors using the app late at night or spending excessive time on the platform.
Existing tools intended to reduce screen time are ineffective because they are too easy to ignore, the Commission noted. Additionally, parental control features were overly complicated. To address the platform’s addictive nature, the Commission concluded that TikTok must change the core design of its app.
A separate investigation is also underway to determine if TikTok’s recommendation algorithm exposes minors to age-inappropriate content. This probe will also verify whether the app complies with European privacy and child safety standards. This development follows a recent settlement that TikTok reached in the United States in a separate case involving social media addiction.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
