The report notes that the app includes elements such as infinite scrolling, which encourages compulsive user behavior by constantly offering new content. Regulators believe that such mechanisms "put the brain on autopilot" and lead to excessive use of the platform.
The European Commission emphasized that TikTok has not implemented sufficient measures to mitigate the risks associated with addiction to the app, especially among young people. The Executive Vice-President of the EC for Technology, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, noted that addiction to social media can have serious negative consequences for developing minds.
Regulators also pointed out the "Daily Screen Time" feature, which limits app usage to one hour for teenagers aged 13 to 17. The European Commission considers this measure ineffective, as notifications about reaching the limit can be easily ignored. Additionally, TikTok's parental control system has been criticized, as the EC believes it requires significant effort and special skills from parents, reducing its practical value.
To comply with DSA requirements, TikTok, according to preliminary findings, must reconsider the design fundamentals of the service. Among the proposed measures are disabling infinite scrolling, introducing more effective "viewing breaks," and adjusting recommendation algorithms.
In response to the regulators' findings, TikTok characterized them as "categorically false" and intends to challenge them by all available means. The company emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to regulating screen time and reminded of additional features such as sleep mode and a rewards system for adhering to time limits.
The investigation into TikTok began in 2024 to verify compliance with the DSA, which sets requirements for risk management, content moderation, and transparency of online platforms. The European Commission's findings are currently preliminary, and the investigation is ongoing. If violations are found, TikTok could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
