Preliminary ruling targets addictive design
The European Commission has issued a preliminary ruling stating that TikTok has breached the European Union’s Digital Services Act by failing to properly address risks linked to the platform’s addictive design. The decision signals that the video sharing app could be forced to make structural changes to reduce compulsive use, particularly among children and vulnerable users.
According to the Commission, TikTok did not sufficiently assess how its core design features may harm users’ physical and mental wellbeing. Officials highlighted the app’s constant stream of rewards through new content, which encourages prolonged scrolling and can place users into what regulators described as an “autopilot mode,” reducing self control and increasing the risk of compulsive behavior.
Concerns over children and nighttime use
The ruling specifically cited indicators of problematic use that TikTok allegedly failed to address, including the amount of time children spend on the app late at night. Regulators said these patterns should have triggered stronger safeguards within the platform’s risk assessment framework.
The Commission also criticized TikTok’s existing safety measures. Screen time management tools were described as too easy for users to dismiss, while parental control features were said to be complex and time consuming to set up, limiting their effectiveness.
Possible forced changes to the platform
EU officials said they are considering requiring TikTok to change the fundamental design of its service. Potential measures include limiting or disabling infinite scroll over time, introducing mandatory screen time breaks including at night, and modifying the app’s recommendation algorithm that drives content discovery.
While the findings are preliminary and do not prejudge the final outcome, the Commission made clear that TikTok will need to respond formally and will have the opportunity to challenge the conclusions during the investigation process.
Financial and political implications
Breaches of the Digital Services Act can lead to fines of up to 6 percent of a company’s global annual turnover, along with mandated remedies such as an app redesign. TikTok does not disclose its revenue figures, but industry estimates suggest it could generate around $35 billion in revenue this year.
TikTok has rejected the Commission’s assessment, calling the findings false and meritless, and said it would challenge the decision through all available legal channels.
The move reflects growing pressure across Europe to rein in social media features that encourage excessive use. Campaigners argue that addressing algorithm driven engagement loops is essential to protecting users, particularly minors, from long term harm.
