EU gives TikTok ultimatum over harmful algorithm, warns of hefty fines

The European Union has demanded that TikTok fundamentally redesign its personalised “For You” recommendation feed, warning that the platform's algorithm may expose children and vulnerable users to harmful content. The company could face a fine of up to 6 per cent of its worldwide annual turnover if it fails to comply with EU digital regulations.

The European Commission on Friday accused TikTok of breaching the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that its recommendation system creates a harmful “rabbit hole” effect by repeatedly showing users videos similar to those they have previously watched or interacted with.

According to the Commission, the algorithm can expose children and vulnerable individuals to potentially damaging material related to sadness, social isolation and body image.

“The more a user interacts with a certain type of content, the more TikTok's ‘For You’ feed algorithm recommends similar content,” the Commission said.

It warned that repeated exposure to such material could increase feelings of sadness and anxiety, contribute to body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem, and worsen existing eating disorders.

EU demands fundamental changes to recommendation system

The Commission said TikTok's existing measures were insufficient and called for more substantial changes to the platform's recommendation system.

Among the proposed measures are stronger user controls, reducing the role of watch time in determining recommended content and giving greater weight to users' explicitly stated preferences.

The EU also questioned the effectiveness of TikTok's “Not interested” option, arguing that it does not adequately prevent users from receiving similar content.

The Commission's concerns centre on the platform's algorithmic design and its potential effects on users' mental health and wellbeing.

TikTok faces potential fine of 6 per cent of global turnover

The preliminary findings mark another stage in the EU's wider investigation into the business models and content recommendation practices of major technology platforms.

Under the Digital Services Act, companies found to have violated their obligations can face fines of up to 6 per cent of their total worldwide annual turnover.

TikTok will now have access to the Commission's investigation files and an opportunity to respond to the preliminary findings.

The Commission said its conclusions are not final and that the company will have the opportunity to defend its position before a final decision is reached.

A senior EU official acknowledged that the investigation was moving beyond individual platform features and directly challenging TikTok's engagement-based business model.

Investigation follows earlier concerns over addictive design

The latest action follows a series of EU investigations into TikTok's impact on children and young people.

In February, the Commission raised concerns about potentially addictive design features, including notifications and other mechanisms encouraging prolonged use.

In July, it also launched an investigation into allegations that TikTok exposed minors to cyberbullying and predatory behaviour.

The EU is separately considering measures that could ban children under 13 from social media platforms and introduce restrictions for users under 15.

Meta also under scrutiny

TikTok is not the only major platform facing regulatory pressure in Europe.

In July, the European Commission also called on Meta to address potentially addictive design features on Facebook and Instagram.

Both companies have faced growing scrutiny internationally, particularly in the United States, over the effects of social media on children and teenagers.

In September, TikTok avoided a trial in the US state of Alabama after agreeing to pay at least $100 million and introduce measures including time limits and additional restrictions for teenage users.

The EU's latest action signals a broader effort to hold social media companies accountable not only for the content available on their platforms but also for the algorithms that determine what users see.

Source:turkiyetoday