The Commission points out TikTok: the design of the platform could compromise the safety and health of its users
Articles3 March 2026
The European Commission preliminarily considers that the design and algorithms of TikTok encourage addictive behaviour, which could violate the DSA by putting young and vulnerable users of the EU at risk.
On February 6, the European Commission issued a preliminary opinion concluding that TikTok has designed its interface and algorithms in such a way that they encourage addictive behaviour. According to the body, these practices violate the obligations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly regarding the protection of the physical and mental well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable users in the European Union.
Key points:
- Addictive and influential architecture: The Commission states that the use of interfaces that promote infinite scrolling, auto-playing of short videos, and constant notifications is designed to retain users in a compulsive and unprotected manner, exploiting their psychology.
- Lack of protection: the investigation suggests that TikTok did not implement sufficient mitigating measures to prevent excessive use or exposure to potentially harmful content, especially for vulnerable profiles. In this regard, screen time limit and parental control features do not effectively reduce the risk: they can be easily circumvented and require configuration.
- Risk of million-pound fines: if the findings are confirmed after the period for submitting arguments, the platform could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover, or be forced to radically change its design in Europe by implementing measures such as limiting infinite scrolling, introducing real pauses in screen time, and adjusting the recommendation system.
- Impact on the digital ecosystem: this case sets a historic precedent for other social networks like Instagram and Facebook. The EU makes it clear that the "attention economy" can no longer grow at the expense of the vulnerability of citizens, and demands a shift towards ethical design by default.
- Next steps: TikTok will be able to review the investigation file and respond to the preliminary findings while consulting the European Digital Services Committee; if the Commission maintains its position, it could issue a non-compliance decision and impose a fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
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