EU Targets TikTok’s “Addictive Loops” in Landmark DSA Case.
Regulatory Crackdown: The European Commission preliminarily finds TikTok’s core features, including infinite scroll and autoplay, in breach of the Digital Services Act.
The European Commission’s preliminary findings strike at the heart of TikTok’s operating model, identifying specific features as harmful to the physical and mental well-being of users, especially minors and vulnerable adults.
Core Breaches Identified
- Addictive Architecture: Features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the “highly personalized” recommender system are accused of shifting users into an “autopilot mode”.
- Disregarded Indicators: Regulators found that TikTok ignored clear signs of compulsive use, such as the frequency of app opens and the extensive time minors spend on the platform after midnight.
- Ineffective Safeguards: Current screen-time management tools were described as “easy to dismiss,” while parental controls were criticized for requiring “additional time and skills” that many parents lack.
Demanded Design Overhauls
To comply with the DSA, the Commission suggested that TikTok must fundamentally change its service in Europe, including:
- Disabling key addictive features like infinite scroll over time.
- Implementing mandatory screen-time breaks, specifically during the night.
- Adapting its recommendation algorithm to prioritize user well-being over maximum engagement.
