On Friday, the European Union requested that the TikTok application change its design, which it described as “encouraging addiction,” or face hefty fines under the EU’s digital content rules; a move that provoked a fierce reaction from the platform owned by a Chinese company.
In preliminary conclusions from an investigation started two years ago, the European Commission found that TikTok is not taking effective steps to address the negative effects of the app, especially on minors and vulnerable adults.
The Commission’s spokesperson stated: “TikTok’s addictive design violates the Digital Services Act,” pointing to concerns regarding features such as endless content scrolling, autoplay, instant notifications, and the recommendation system based on user preferences.
The spokesperson added: “These features lead to compulsive use of the app, especially for our children, and this poses serious risks to their mental health and well-being… The measures taken by TikTok are completely insufficient.”
TikTok rejected the European Commission’s conclusions, considering them “to present a completely false and baseless picture of our platform,” according to a statement from its spokesperson, who added: “We will take all necessary steps to challenge these findings by all available means.”
The Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act is part of an enhanced legal toolkit adopted by the European Union in recent years to curb the excesses of major technology companies. Officials had stated, until now, that TikTok was cooperating with the EU’s digital regulators.
TikTok will now have the opportunity to review the EU’s findings to defend itself against these allegations.
The EU’s technology official told reporters: “TikTok must take action, and it must change the design of its service in Europe to protect minors and their safety.”
The Commission proposed substantial changes, such as removing the endless scrolling feature, implementing an “effective screen time break system,” including during the night, and developing the algorithms of the user preference system upon which the platform relies to deliver content.
It is noted that the February 2024 investigation is the first directed against TikTok under the Digital Services Act; a strict EU content management law that had angered the US administration.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded to foster cooperation and prevent conflict after World War II. It originated with the 1951 European Coal and Steel Community and has since evolved through major treaties to establish a single market and common policies.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for short-form video content, launched internationally in 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance after merging with its predecessor, Douyin. It rapidly grew into a global cultural phenomenon, significantly influencing music, trends, and digital entertainment.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, and the profound impacts of two World Wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse artistic heritage, architectural landmarks, and as the origin of influential philosophical and political movements. Today, it is largely united under the political and economic framework of the European Union.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements. In the modern era, it has developed into a major global economic and political power.
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing EU policies. It was established in 1958 as part of the then-European Economic Community, with its foundational role solidified by the Merger Treaty of 1967.
Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a landmark European Union regulation that came into full force in 2024, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for online platforms and services. Its history stems from the need to update EU law for the digital age, aiming to create a safer online environment by increasing transparency, accountability, and user protection across the digital single market.
ByteDance
ByteDance is a Chinese multinational internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming, best known for creating the social media platform TikTok. It has grown rapidly to become one of the world’s most valuable private companies, operating a suite of content platforms powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence.
America
The United States of America is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history spans from indigenous civilizations and colonial settlement through westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century.
US administration
The US administration refers to the executive branch of the federal government, headed by the President. Its structure and powers were established by the U.S. Constitution in 1789, creating a system of checks and balances with Congress and the judiciary. Throughout American history, the role and scope of the administration have evolved significantly through presidential actions, legislation, and Supreme Court rulings.
