The European Commission has acknowledged that TikTok's algorithms, including infinite scrolling and personalized recommendations, may lead to compulsive use of the app, especially among children and adolescents.
The New York Times writes about this.
EU regulators have issued a preliminary ruling calling TikTok's algorithm “addictive by design” that violates the bloc's online safety laws. The platform's endless scrolling, auto-playing videos and personalized recommendations negatively impact the physical and mental health of users, including minors and vulnerable adults, according to the European Commission.
The document states that TikTok must review key features of the service, limit usage time and change its recommendation algorithm. If the company fails to comply, it faces fines of up to 6% of global revenue under the EU Digital Services Act.
TikTok has already said it plans to appeal the regulators' findings, calling them “false and baseless.” The company stressed that it is taking steps to protect young users and is constantly working on a safe experience on the app.
The EU investigation into TikTok has been ongoing since 2024. It is part of a broader global trend of increased control over social networks, which includes the United States, Spain and other countries, where authorities are increasingly demanding restrictions for teenagers and measures against excessive use of the platforms.