TikTok is facing formal action from European regulators over claims that its app design encourages compulsive use, marking one of the bloc’s most significant enforcement steps under its sweeping online safety rules.
The European Commission said Friday it has charged TikTok with breaching the Digital Services Act, focusing on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, push alerts and its recommendation system. The case could lead to penalties worth up to 6 percent of parent company ByteDance’s global turnover if violations are confirmed.
The move reflects a wider push by EU authorities to hold major platforms accountable for how their products affect users, especially minors and vulnerable groups. Officials argue the platform’s design may heighten risks tied to excessive screen time and digital dependency.
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Regulators said the platform failed to properly assess how its interface might affect mental and physical wellbeing. Investigators also raised concerns about patterns linked to compulsive use, including how long young users stay active at night and how often they reopen the app.
A TikTok spokesperson rejected the allegations, saying the Commission’s claims were “a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform,” and added the company would challenge the findings.
Officials suggested several possible changes, including reducing reliance on endless content feeds, improving screen time controls and strengthening parental tools. They also called for adjustments to recommendation features that keep users engaged for long periods.
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The case comes after a year long investigation under the Digital Services Act, a law that requires large platforms to address harmful content risks and provide stronger user protections.
Meanwhile, scrutiny is expanding across the sector. Authorities have previously pursued cases against other major platforms over interface design and youth safety concerns, and further decisions are expected in the coming months.
Several governments are also considering stricter limits on young people’s access to social platforms. Australia has already barred children under 16 from major services, while European countries including France and Spain are debating similar measures.
TikTok now has the opportunity to review the Commission’s evidence and submit a formal response before a final ruling is issued. The outcome could shape how digital platforms design their products across Europe and beyond.