The European Commission warned TikTok it could face a fine after concluding the platform's design likely breaches EU rules on addictive online services.
The European Commission has warned TikTok it could face a fine after concluding the platform's design likely breaches EU rules on addictive online services, according to The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.
In preliminary findings released Thursday, the Commission said features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a recommender system may violate the Digital Services Act.
The probe, launched in February 2024, found TikTok did not adequately assess how these mechanisms affect user wellbeing, particularly minors.
According to the Commission, "rewarding" users with new content encourages compulsive scrolling and places users in "autopilot mode." Regulators said TikTok overlooked warning signs of problematic use, including frequent app openings and nighttime use by children.
Screen time controls and parental tools were judged ineffective because they are easy to bypass. If upheld, the findings could lead to fines of up to 6% of TikTok's global annual turnover and force changes to core design features.
TikTok rejected the claims as "categorically false" and said it will contest the case.
Sharon Florentine is the editorial director for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands and acting editorial director for SC UK. She is responsible for setting strategy and editorial direction and developing content for news, features, analysis and other written content, moderates live webcasts, and oversees research projects. Sharon has previously held key editorial, content and leadership positions at DevOps.com, Security Boulevard, CIO.com, Ziff Davis Enterprise, and CRN, among others.
Sharon Florentine is the editorial director for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands and acting editorial director for SC UK. She is responsible for setting strategy and editorial direction and developing content for news, features, analysis and other written content, moderates live webcasts, and oversees research projects. Sharon has previously held key editorial, content and leadership positions at DevOps.com, Security Boulevard, CIO.com, Ziff Davis Enterprise, and CRN, among others.
An error occurred trying to play the stream. Please reload the page and try again.
CloseRegistering with SC Media is 100% free. Join tens of thousands of cybersecurity leaders today and gain access to the latest analysis shaping the global infosec agenda.
