The European Union has warned TikTok that its design choices, particularly those aimed at keeping users engaged through endless scrolling feeds, could breach the bloc's digital rules. The warning comes as regulators press ahead with efforts to curb the social effects of big online platforms.
According to a report by the European Commission, TikTok has failed to adequately assess and mitigate the risks posed by its addictive design features, which could harm users' physical and mental wellbeing, particularly children and vulnerable groups. The platform's constant "rewarding" of users with new content fuels the urge to keep scrolling, shifting the brain into "autopilot mode," according to the Commission.
"This social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens," said Henna Virkkunen, the EU's tech chief. "In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and citizens online."
If the provisional conclusions are confirmed, TikTok could face a fine up to 6 percent of its global turnover.
TikTok has responded by saying that the Commission's findings are "categorically false and entirely meritless." The platform is owned by China's ByteDance, which recently spun off its US arm into a joint venture majority-owned by American investors.
According to a report by the European Commission, TikTok has failed to adequately assess and mitigate the risks posed by its addictive design features, which could harm users' physical and mental wellbeing, particularly children and vulnerable groups. The platform's constant "rewarding" of users with new content fuels the urge to keep scrolling, shifting the brain into "autopilot mode," according to the Commission.
"This social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens," said Henna Virkkunen, the EU's tech chief. "In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and citizens online."
If the provisional conclusions are confirmed, TikTok could face a fine up to 6 percent of its global turnover.
TikTok has responded by saying that the Commission's findings are "categorically false and entirely meritless." The platform is owned by China's ByteDance, which recently spun off its US arm into a joint venture majority-owned by American investors.
like its our own personal freedom or something. they need to chill out and let us scroll to our hearts content. what's wrong with a little dopamine hit every now and then? 
besides if it's gonna harm kids, why arent they banning google or facebook too? those platforms have been doing the same thing for years and nobody said anything 
it's about time someone called out that endless scrolling feed for what it is - a design choice that's straight up manipulative 
i mean, who doesn't know they're getting sucked into an endless loop of cat videos and lip syncing challenge vids? 
but seriously, this is way bigger than just tiktok. it's about the impact big tech has on our mental health and wellbeing 
we need to be more mindful of the apps we use and how they're designed to keep us hooked 
. I mean, I know it sounds crazy but think about it, every time you open the app, it's like a mini-vacation from reality... until you realize you've wasted 20 minutes of your life scrolling through cat vids 
. And don't even get me started on how that affects kids and teens... it's basically brainwashing them into being social media zombies 
! The EU is totally on the right track with this one, we need to protect our minds online too 
. These new design features are meant to keep us hooked, but honestly, it's just plain creepy 
. I'm all for keeping up with the times, but our youth deserve better than to be fed a never-ending feed of cat videos 
. We need to take a step back and reassess our online habits, 'kay? 
The EU's warning might be a good reminder for TikTok to rethink their design choices... maybe we need some balance in our online lives? 
. I've been using TikTok with my little niece and she gets so addicted to it, it's crazy! She can't even put her phone down at mealtimes 
. It's not just kids, either - I've seen adults getting sucked in too 
. But let's be real, it's just us staring at screens like zombies 
. And now the EU is warning them that it might harm our mental health? 
And what's with the constant "rewarding" thing? Isn't that just a fancy way of saying "we're gonna keep showing you stuff until you click"? 
maybe some new features to curb addiction? would be great for all of us 
. its not just about tiktok tho, theres a bigger issue here - big online platforms in general arent taking responsibility for the impact they have on our wellbeing 
. so yeah, i think the eu has got some valid concerns and ill be keeping an eye on this story