EU regulators accuse TikTok over its feed recommendation system
The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that TikTok breaches EU online content rules through its recommender system. Regulators say the For You feed can draw users into endless streams of videos about sadness, isolation and body image, which could harm mental health, especially among minors and vulnerable adults. The Commission says TikTok did not adequately assess these risks and that its current safeguards are not effective, so it must redesign the feed. A fine of up to 6 percent of global annual turnover is possible if the findings are confirmed. TikTok rejects the accusations. The case escalates an investigation opened in February 2024 under the Digital Services Act.
Key facts
- Henna Virkkunen is the Commission's executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy.
- The findings are reportedly the first time the Commission has cited a recommendation algorithm as the reason for a breach.
- The EU told TikTok in February to change addictive design features and in July accused it of child risks.
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Why it matters
A fine tied to global turnover could set a precedent for how platforms must design recommendation algorithms in the EU.
What changed
First published from CNA, Tagesschau, The Straits Times, RTÉ News and Hindustan Times