What concerns has the EU raised about TikTok's design?

The EU has raised concerns that TikTok's design is addictive, potentially leading users into 'autopilot mode,' fostering compulsive behavior, and negatively impacting physical and mental well-being, especially for children and vulnerable adults.

What changes is the EU considering for TikTok?

The EU is considering forcing changes to TikTok's design, such as disabling addictive features like 'infinite scroll,' implementing effective screen time breaks, and adapting its recommender system.

What are the potential consequences for TikTok if found in breach of EU rules?

If found in breach of the Digital Services Act, TikTok could face fines up to 6% of its annual turnover and be required to redesign its app.

Home / Technology / EU Rules TikTok's Design Addictive

EU Rules TikTok's Design Addictive

6 Feb

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Summary

EU finds TikTok's design addictive, potentially harming users' well-being.
App's 'autopilot mode' and compulsive content may breach digital safety rules.
Potential changes include disabling 'infinite scroll' and adding screen breaks.

The European Commission has indicated that TikTok may have violated the bloc's digital safety rules, citing concerns over the app's "addictive design." A preliminary ruling suggests that the popular platform, with over 1 billion users globally, failed to adequately assess the risks its design poses to the physical and mental well-being of users, especially children and vulnerable adults.

The commission detailed that by continuously rewarding users with new content, TikTok encourages constant scrolling, potentially leading users into an "autopilot mode" that fosters compulsive behavior and diminishes self-control. The platform is also accused of overlooking signs of compulsive use, such as excessive nighttime screen time for minors.

Consequently, the EU is contemplating mandatory changes to TikTok's service. These could include disabling addictive features like 'infinite scroll,' introducing effective screen time breaks, and adjusting its content recommendation system. Current safety measures, including screentime management and parental controls, are deemed insufficient by the commission, with features being too easy to dismiss or too time-consuming to set up.