EU Accuses TikTok of 'Addictive' Design Features
In a Friday statement, the EC alleged that TikTok's functionality—notably infinite scroll and autoplay—traps users in extended engagement sessions, pushing their minds into "autopilot mode."
"TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults," the statement reads.
The EU's Digital Services Act, which mandates platform responsibility and content oversight, empowers regulators to levy penalties reaching 6% of worldwide revenue for major violations. Based on World Advertising Research Centre projections estimating approximately $35 billion in annual revenue for the Chinese-owned application—which commands over one billion global users—TikTok confronts potential fines exceeding $2 billion.
TikTok forcefully dismissed the commission's conclusions, branding them "a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction" of its service.
A separate EC probe launched December 2024 is examining suspected foreign interference in Romania's presidential elections. The nation's Constitutional Court nullified first-round results after intelligence agencies claimed anti-establishment contender Calin Georgescu's advantage resulted from external manipulation through TikTok—allegations the company firmly denies.
A US House Judiciary Committee report released this week labeled the EC's enforcement actions "the most aggressive censorship" witnessed in recent years. The assessment positioned these accusations within a broader decade-spanning Commission campaign pressuring social platforms to restrict content under "hate speech" and "disinformation" justifications.
The EU's Big Tech crackdown has sparked tensions with Washington, which has floated retaliatory tariffs. Last year, the EC imposed €120 million ($140 million) in fines against Elon Musk's X for "deceptive" verification systems and advertising limitations. Musk has publicly condemned the EU as a "bureaucratic monster" which "should be abolished."
Multiple nations—including France, Australia, Germany, and the UK—are advancing legislation restricting social media access for young adolescents amid mounting concerns over developmental impacts.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
