"EU Warns TikTok Over 'Addictive Design' as Regulators Push for Stricter Online Rules"
The European Union has issued a warning to TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by China's ByteDance, over its "addictive design", which regulators say may breach EU's new content rules. The warning comes as part of efforts to rein in the social effects of big online platforms and protect users' physical and mental wellbeing.
According to preliminary findings issued by Brussels, TikTok's endless scrolling feeds may not have adequately assessed and mitigated the risks posed by addictive design features that could harm users, particularly children and other vulnerable groups. The Commission believes that by constantly "rewarding" users with new content, TikTok fuels the urge to keep scrolling, shifting the brain of users into "autopilot mode".
Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on developing minds, said Henna Virkkunen, the EU's tech chief. "In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online."
If confirmed, TikTok could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its global turnover. The warning marks one of the most advanced tests yet of the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to identify and curb systemic risks linked to their products.
This move comes as other nations move closer to social media bans for teenagers. Spain recently announced it will stop access to social media for children under 16 to curb the potentially harmful impact of online content on young people. France and the UK are also considering similar measures, following the lead of Australia, which banned under-16s from holding accounts for 10 apps deemed potentially harmful.
TikTok has disputed the Commission's findings, stating that the depiction of its platform is "categorically false and entirely meritless". However, European watchdogs have previously taken action against TikTok for breaking EU digital rules.
The European Union has issued a warning to TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by China's ByteDance, over its "addictive design", which regulators say may breach EU's new content rules. The warning comes as part of efforts to rein in the social effects of big online platforms and protect users' physical and mental wellbeing.
According to preliminary findings issued by Brussels, TikTok's endless scrolling feeds may not have adequately assessed and mitigated the risks posed by addictive design features that could harm users, particularly children and other vulnerable groups. The Commission believes that by constantly "rewarding" users with new content, TikTok fuels the urge to keep scrolling, shifting the brain of users into "autopilot mode".
Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on developing minds, said Henna Virkkunen, the EU's tech chief. "In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online."
If confirmed, TikTok could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its global turnover. The warning marks one of the most advanced tests yet of the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to identify and curb systemic risks linked to their products.
This move comes as other nations move closer to social media bans for teenagers. Spain recently announced it will stop access to social media for children under 16 to curb the potentially harmful impact of online content on young people. France and the UK are also considering similar measures, following the lead of Australia, which banned under-16s from holding accounts for 10 apps deemed potentially harmful.
TikTok has disputed the Commission's findings, stating that the depiction of its platform is "categorically false and entirely meritless". However, European watchdogs have previously taken action against TikTok for breaking EU digital rules.
. As a retiree, I've seen how social media can take over people's lives, especially younger generations. My grandkids are always glued to their screens, and it worries me 
. I think it's high time we start taking control of our online habits and protecting ourselves from the negative effects of excessive screen time.
. We can't just sit back and let big tech companies profit from exploiting our psychological vulnerabilities. The EU is showing a good lead here, and maybe other countries will follow suit 
. Let's hope TikTok takes these warnings seriously and makes some changes to its platform ASAP 
. We need more accountability from these giants! 
I mean, I get it, we're living in a world where our attention spans are shorter than ever and these platforms need to keep us engaged, but come on, it's not like they're trying to turn us into zombies or something... 
But seriously, the EU is right to crack down on this stuff. I mean, if it's harming kids' minds, we gotta take action. It's all about balance, you know? Give 'em a platform, but also make sure they can put their phone down sometimes 
And btw, has anyone else noticed how addictive those endless scrolling feeds are? 
Like, what's wrong with us?! 
. but, let's not forget that social media platforms are just doing what we want them to do – they're giving us a way to connect and express ourselves online 
.
. that's like, crazy 
. can't we just have a chill conversation about this instead of trying to shame each other? 
i mean, have you ever spent hours scrolling through tiktok and just can't stop? 
they don't want us to get hurt from all the cat videos and memes 
. and who knows, maybe tiktok will listen and change its design 
.
but i'm more worried about what other platforms are gonna do next 
will we have to delete all our favorite apps? 
.
. Like, Spain's decision to ban kids under 16 from social media for now is a good start 
. We need more of these kinds of measures in place so our young people can grow up with healthy online habits 
We should be proud of our EU and its efforts to keep us safe online 
, 'cause I know a lot of people (including my fave influencers 
. My little niece is always on TikTok, and I'm worried about what she's seeing and how it might be affecting her 
. The EU is right to crack down on this stuff, though - we need to protect our kids from all the crazy content out there 
.
Let's hope this leads to more platforms prioritizing user safety and well-being over just getting those likes 
i kinda get it tho, i mean who hasn't scrolled through tiktok for hours on end wondering where the time went? 
anywayz, its not all bad news - maybe this will make them change their ways and be more careful about what they do to our minds 
are we gonna ban pizza too because it's addictive? 
the EU is trying to regulate our lives, but honestly, if I want to scroll all day on tiktok, that's my choice 
. and btw, who decided that "addictive design" was a thing? sound like a made-up excuse for them to fine someone