The European Union has directed TikTok to alter the algorithm driving its For You feed, warning the major social media platform of potential financial penalties.
Brussels stated on Friday that TikTok breached the bloc’s Digital Services Act by creating a harmful rabbit holes effect through continuously serving similar video clips based on previous viewing or likes, even when the material is triggering.
European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen, who oversees tech sovereignty, noted that every user interaction prompts the algorithm to deliver more of the same content, trapping users in loops they struggle to escape.
Virkkunen added that these preliminary findings demonstrate that TikTok must enhance protections for user well-being, particularly regarding minors.
According to EU regulators, the algorithm subjects users to endless exposure regarding sadness, isolation, and body image concerns.
The commission acknowledged that TikTok implemented certain mitigation measures, but determined those adjustments remain insufficient. According to the EU, Although TikTok had made some changes to mitigate the risks highlighted by the commission, the tweaks were not enough.
In response, TikTok rejected the findings, describing them as fundamentally inaccurate and misrepresenting both the platform architecture and safety commitments.
A spokesperson for the tech firm asserted that the platform maintains a strong record of safeguarding the community while providing users with direct control over their content experience.
Regulators indicated that fines against the Chinese-owned company could climb by up to six percent unless the platform resolves the compliance issues, though the enterprise will receive an opportunity to respond before a final determination. According to regulators, unless the platform resolves the issue, brussels’ fines on the Chinese-owned platform could increase by up to 6 percent.
The regulatory action follows broader international initiatives where several nations introduced social media restrictions for children under fifteen to combat cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and mental health declines. Several countries introduced social media bans for children below the age of 15.
Earlier in February, the EU concluded that TikTok failed to adequately evaluate how addictive features impact the physical and mental health of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.
While the February findings targeted features such as notification impacts, the latest directive directly challenges the underlying algorithm, a senior EU official confirmed to AFP.
Additionally, the bloc previously accused TikTok in July of exposing children to risks like cyberbullying and similarly ordered Meta to modify Facebook and Instagram feeds under Digital Services Act enforcement.
