EU Warns TikTok: ‘Addictive’ Features Must Change or Face Massive Fines
The European Union is taking a hard stance against TikTok, claiming the platform’s design encourages addictive behavior among minors. Officials say features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalized recommendations are driving compulsive use, putting children’s mental health at serious risk.
According to the European Commission, the investigation shows that TikTok is the most-used social media app by kids late at night. Alarmingly, 7 percent of children aged 12 to 15 are spending four to five hours daily on the platform. Regulators argue these patterns are not just a concern—they constitute a violation of EU law under the Digital Services Act.
Also Read:- Roelof van der Merwe: The 41-Year-Old Bulldog Defying Cricket’s Limits
- Cuba Hotels Close Without Warning, Tourists Left Scrambling
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s tech chief, emphasized that TikTok must redesign its platform for European users to better protect young people. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier added that the current measures in place are simply insufficient to curb compulsive usage. The potential consequences are significant: ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could face fines of up to 6 percent of its global revenue if the EU’s demands are not met.
TikTok has strongly rejected these findings, calling the Commission’s conclusions “categorically false and entirely meritless.” The company has vowed to challenge the ruling, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal and regulatory battle.
This isn’t happening in isolation. Across Europe, authorities are increasingly scrutinizing major tech and social media companies, particularly where the wellbeing of children is concerned. The TikTok probe, which began in early 2024, highlights a growing concern over how recommendation algorithms and engagement-focused design can influence young users’ behavior.
For parents, policymakers and users alike, the implications are clear. Social media platforms are under unprecedented pressure to prioritize safety over engagement. This case could reshape how apps are built, how children interact with technology and how regulators enforce rules on global tech companies.
Stay informed as this story develops, because the outcome of this dispute won’t just affect TikTok—it could set a new standard for digital safety across the world. Follow for ongoing updates and expert analysis on how tech, regulation and youth wellbeing intersect in our increasingly connected lives.
Read More:
0 Comments