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Saved February 14, 2026
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European regulators say TikTok's addictive design elements likely breach the Digital Services Act, risking user well-being, especially for minors. They claim the app's infinite scroll and autoplay features contribute to compulsive behavior. TikTok has the chance to respond before any final decisions or potential fines are imposed.
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European regulators have determined that TikTok's features, particularly its infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommendation algorithm, likely violate the Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission claims TikTok has not properly evaluated the potential harm these features pose to users, especially minors. Concerns center on how these design choices can lead to compulsive behavior and excessive screen time, with minors spending significant hours on the app late at night.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's executive vice-president, emphasized the risks of social media addiction on developing minds, underscoring the platform's responsibility under the DSA to safeguard users. TikTok now has a chance to respond to these allegations before any final ruling is made. If found in violation, TikTok could face penalties of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
The investigation into TikTok was initiated in 2024, focusing on the platform's impact on minors and the "rabbit hole effect" of its algorithm. The Commission suggested potential changes, such as removing the infinite scroll and implementing screen-time breaks. This scrutiny comes amid a broader global trend where countries like Australia have banned social media accounts for children under 16, and lawsuits against tech companies in the U.S. are increasing, targeting addictive design practices.
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