EU Orders TikTok to Fix ‘Addictive Design’, Threatens Massive Fines

The European Union has warned TikTok to change parts of its product design or face heavy financial penalties. Regulators say the app’s design encourages excessive use and does not do enough to protect users, especially children. The warning follows a long investigation that puts pressure on the platform to make clear changes in Europe. The action comes from the European Commission, which began examining TikTok in February 2024. Officials focused on whether the app complies with the Digital Services Act, a law that forces large online platforms to manage risks linked to user harm. EU findings on TikTok’s design In its findings, the Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess how core features affect user wellbeing. These features include infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a highly personalised recommendation system. Regulators said these tools keep users scrolling for long periods and can push them into habitual use. The Commission said TikTok also ignored warning signs of compulsive behavior. These include how often users open the app and how long minors stay on the platform at night. Officials said this shows a weak risk assessment, particularly for children and vulnerable adults. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen explained the position clearly. She said, “The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users.” She added, “In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.” EU wants TikTok to change The Commission said TikTok must adjust the basic design of its service if it wants to avoid penalties. Suggested steps include real screen time breaks, including at night, and changes to how content recommendations work. Regulators also urged TikTok to limit or phase out infinite scroll. Officials said existing tools on the app do not work well. Screen time controls are easy to dismiss, and parental controls require too much effort to set up. Because of this, regulators said the measures fail to reduce risk in a meaningful way. A spokesperson for TikTok rejected the findings. The company called the assessment “a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform” and said it plans to challenge the conclusions. TikTok now has the right to respond. If the Commission confirms its findings, it can fine the company up to six percent of its global annual revenue. For TikTok, that figure could reach billions.