"Strict Warnings About Addiction to TikTok from AB"

EU Commission Warns About TikTok Addiction

The European Union (EU) Commission announced that it has obtained preliminary findings indicating that TikTok has violated the provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA) as part of an ongoing investigation into the platform.

Addictive Features

In the announcement, it was emphasized that TikTok's features such as endless scrolling, autoplay, instant notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems could lead to user addiction. It was stated that these features could have negative effects on minors and vulnerable adults.

Effects on User Health

The Commission pointed out that the addictive design of TikTok has not been sufficiently evaluated in terms of its impact on users' physical and mental health. This situation was noted to potentially reduce users' self-control, leading to compulsive behaviors.

Fundamental Design Changes May Be Necessary

The EU Commission expressed its belief that TikTok should change the fundamental design of its service to mitigate risks, while also reminding that TikTok has the right to defend itself.

Potential Fines

The announcement mentioned that if the Commission's preliminary views are approved, it could issue a non-compliance decision against TikTok and impose fines of up to 6% of the platform's total global annual turnover. The EU has the authority to impose high fines to ensure that major digital platforms operating in Europe comply with technology regulations.