The European Commission (EC) has issued a preliminary warning to TikTok after finding apparently addictive features violate the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
It stated TikTok’s addictive design features including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and a highly personalised recommendation system “could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults”.
The EC stated its research and internal analysis indicated TikTok’s design encourages compulsive scrolling, reduces self‑control and pushes users into “autopilot mode”.
It also noted TikTok overlooked key indicators of problematic use, such as nighttime usage by children and frequency of app openings.
Henna Virkkunen, EVP for tech sovereignty, security and democracy at the EC, said “social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens”.
“In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online,” she said.
A TikTok representative told Reuters the EC’s initial “findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform”, and said the company is exploring options to challenge the claims.
The watchdog’s preliminary findings are part of formal proceedings to investigate TikTok’s compliance with the DSA, which launched on 19 February 2024. The EC stated TikTok can respond to its preliminary findings and review investigative documents.
