TikTok may be forced to make changes to make the app less problematic for users after the EU found the platform had breached the bloc’s digital security rules.
The EU’s executive arm said in a preliminary ruling that the popular app had breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) because of its “addictive design”.
The European Commission said TikTok, which has more than 1 billion users worldwide, had not properly assessed how its design could harm the physical and mental well-being of users, including children and vulnerable adults.
By constantly “rewarding” users with new content, the Chinese-owned platform encouraged constant scrolling on the site, the commission added, which could lead to compulsive behavior and reduce users’ self-control.
The preliminary ruling accused TikTok of ignoring indicators of compulsive use, such as the amount of time children spend on the app at night.
The commission said it was considering the possibility of forcing changes to the app’s design, including changes to its powerful algorithm that delivers content to users.
“At this stage, the commission considers that TikTok should change the basic design of its service,” he said in a statement.
“For example, by disabling key addictive features such as ‘endless scrolling’ over time, implementing ‘effective screen time breaks’, including at night, and adapting its recommendation system,” he added. (Telegraph)