TikTok Faces EU Action Over Addictive Design
Thursday, 2026/02/12161 words3 minutes763 reads
The European Union has ordered TikTok to change its "addictive design" or face heavy fines. The EU found that the Chinese-owned video platform violated online safety rules.
An investigation began in February 2024 into TikTok's practices. The European Commission discovered that TikTok failed to properly assess how features like autoplay and infinite scroll could harm users' wellbeing, particularly children. The company did not implement adequate measures to reduce these risks.
TikTok strongly disagrees with the findings, calling them "categorically false." However, if the company refuses to make changes, it could face fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover, which amounts to billions of dollars.
The EU suggests several solutions, including screen time breaks during nighttime use, algorithm changes, and disabling infinite scroll. Experts say young people are frustrated that platforms prioritize profit over their wellbeing. This case represents a major shift in how regulators view social media - focusing not just on harmful content, but on harmful design itself.
