The digital landscape in Europe could change forever as regulators move beyond monitoring content to scrutinizing the core architecture of social media. France, the UK, and Spain are promoting the limitation of social apps or services to teenagers. Now, the European Commission (EU) issued a warning to TikTok, claiming the platform’s “addictive design” breaches the Digital Services Act (DSA) and threatening big fines.
Toxic by design: The European Commission’s case against TikTok’s features
For years, the debate around social media focused on what people were posting. Now, the focus is shifting to how the apps are built. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen explained that features like “infinite scroll,” autoplay, and push notifications aim to keep users in an “autopilot mode.”
The Commission’s early findings say that these things use behavioral science to make a never-ending cycle of dopamine rewards. Giving users a never-ending stream of personalized content may encourage compulsive behavior. It could also make it harder for them to control themselves. Regulators are especially worried about how these “addictive loops” will affect kids, who may not have the mental tools to resist them.
The proposed changes
To comply with European law and avoid staggering penalties, TikTok may have to dismantle some of its most successful features. The European Commission suggested several mandatory changes for the platform’s European operations.
First, they have to disable the classic infinite scroll system reigning in social media. Moving away from the bottomless feed that allows users to cycle through videos indefinitely, the body claims.
The EU’s second requirement is to implement mandatory breaks. Forcing these “screen time breaks,” especially during nighttime hours, will help prevent sleep deprivation, according to the European Commission.
Lastly, the EU is requiring some important algorithm adjustments to social media platforms. They hope that modifying the recommendation system to prioritize user well-being over maximum engagement will have a positive impact on mental health.
EU’s allegations are “categorically false,” TikTok claims
TikTok has not taken these accusations lightly. A spokesperson for the company labeled the findings “categorically false and entirely meritless,” vowing to challenge the depiction of their platform through every available legal means. TikTok argues that its existing tools, such as parental controls and time management features, are sufficient to protect its community.
However, the EU remains unmoved. If TikTok fails to satisfy the Commission’s requirements, it faces fines of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover—a figure that could reach into the billions of dollars.
The “warning shot” for big tech
While TikTok is currently in the spotlight, this case serves as a “reality check” for the entire industry. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram are already under similar scrutiny for their algorithms. Plus, platforms like Snapchat and YouTube have been asked for detailed information on their safety systems.
Whatever the outcome of this and other initiatives, it seems we are moving away from an era that prioritized “maximizing engagement” at any cost. “Engineered responsibility” could become the new legal standard around the world.
The post EU Orders TikTok to Change ‘Addictive Design’ or Face Billions in Fines appeared first on Android Headlines.
