EU says TikTok needs to drop "addictive design"

European Regulators Warn TikTok Over 'Addictive Design', Risk of Breaching EU's Digital Rules.

The European Commission has issued a warning to TikTok, stating that its "addictive design" may breach the bloc's new content rules, putting users' physical and mental wellbeing at risk. In preliminary findings published on Friday, regulators accused the platform of failing to adequately assess and mitigate the risks posed by addictive features, such as constantly rewarding users with new content.

"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."

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. If confirmed, TikTok could face fines up to 6% of its global turnover.

TikTok has responded by saying that the Commission's findings are "categorically false" and that it will take all necessary steps to challenge these claims. The platform is owned by China's ByteDance, although a recent deal with the Trump administration will spin off its US arm into a joint venture majority owned by American investors.

European watchdogs have previously taken action against TikTok for breaking EU digital rules. Last year, Irish regulators issued a 530 million euro fine against TikTok for sending users' data to China, while Brussels has also probed its online advertising practices.

The move comes as other nations move closer to social media bans for teenagers. Spain recently announced plans to ban access to social media for children under the age of 16, following France and the UK which are also considering similar measures.

Ugh, great, another platform that's just trying to make money off our desperation to scroll through endless videos . I mean, what's wrong with a little bit of FOMO, right? Like it's not already hard enough to put down your phone and go outside without someone judging you... 'Addictive design' is just code for 'we're gonna make more money off you'. And now the EU's all like 'oh no, our children are vulnerable to TikTok's influence!' Can't we just have a social media platform that doesn't make us feel inadequate or stupid? Just saying.

I think its crazy that TikTok is getting slapped with this warning . I mean, I know it can be super addictive, but like who doesn't love scrolling through funny vids all day? Anyway, I get why they're looking out for us, especially the kids. We need to make sure we're not exposing them to anything that's gonna mess with their minds . Its interesting how this is happening in Europe, too - it'll be cool to see how other countries respond to these kinds of issues . And what's up with this whole social media ban thing? Is TikTok really that bad for teens? Maybe its time for us all to take a step back and evaluate our online habits

The EU's Digital Services Act is taking a step in the right direction by addressing the potential risks posed by addictive features on social media platforms like TikTok . It's concerning that even major platforms can be designed to encourage constant scrolling and user engagement, which can have negative effects on mental health, especially for younger generations . But it's also interesting to see how the EU is testing its regulations in a way that prioritizes citizen protection over free speech concerns . Now we just gotta wait and see how TikTok responds to these findings... will they take steps to address their design or try to fight back against these allegations?

TikTok's got a major problem on its hands! They need to get their addictive design in check ASAP, or else they'll be getting fined

Ugh I'm literally shaking just thinking about how our kids are being messed with on these platforms - I mean what's next? A whole generation growing up with anxiety and low self-esteem because they're constantly getting those endless notifications from TikTok . And the thing is, it's not even like we can trust these companies to care about our kids' wellbeing. They're just going to keep shoveling out that dopamine-fueled content until we all lose ourselves in it . I'm so tired of watching these regulators try to do something about it, but TikTok just keeps pushing back with their fancy PR spin . Can't they see the damage they're doing? We need some real accountability here .

omg u guyz i cant even believe whats goin on wit tiktok rn! theyre actin like dey dont know how addictive deir design is lol who doesnt know dat deir al algorithms r designd to keep us scrollin 4eva ?? de european regulators rnt playin around, tho. its defly the EU's digital services act doin its thang i mean, we gotta protec our kiddos online, right? but like, cant tiktok just chill wit their own stuff for a sec? anywayz, if dey get fined 6% of dair global turnover, dat wd b like, super bad fer dem . tbh, its kinda sketchy how dey tryna dispute de claims dey cant just deny it, tho, cuz de regz have de proof

Ugh I'm so done with these platforms prioritizing views over user well-being... like what's the point of having a 'break' feature if it's just gonna keep popping up in your feed? They need to do better, especially for kids & teens who are already vulnerable. Can't we have social media that actually supports our mental health instead of trying to manipulate us?

omg I cant believe this tiktok is always getting into trouble lol but seriously can we talk about how unfair it is that they're being singled out? its just a platform, right? like everyone else is guilty of being addictive and the EU is just being extra cautious because, well, europe . I think its time to stop hating on tiktok and focus on creating more responsible content rather than regulating it to death

Ugh, gotta say, TikTok's design is super addictive ! I mean, who can resist scrolling through endless vids of cute animals or funny skits? But seriously, it's concerning that the EU regulators think they're violating some kinda rules about not being too bad for kids' mental health . Like, I get it, we gotta protect our youngins online, but come on, a little fun can't hurt, right? And now this could lead to TikTok getting fined like crazy ... maybe they should just make more teen-friendly content, idk, that's my two cents . What do u guys think? Should social media companies be held responsible for how addictive their apps are?

omg u no why tiktok gotta change its algorithm lol it's like they're tryna suck our souls out anyway thinkin people r so addicted 2 tiktok bc its just so easy 2 scroll thru n watch all da funny vids & short vids n then BAM u spend hours on there n forget about everythin else gotta protect our kids n make sure they dont get sucked into that vortex

I think it's pretty concerning that European regulators are warning TikTok about its "addictive design" . As a parent myself, I can see how features like constantly rewarding users with new content could be super appealing to kids and teens, but also potentially super bad for their mental health . It's not just about the physical wellbeing of children either - this social media addiction can affect them in so many ways .

I'm glad that European lawmakers are taking steps to protect our citizens online , even if it means cracking down on popular platforms like TikTok . And honestly, I think it's a great idea for other countries to consider banning social media for teenagers altogether . As much as we love sharing our lives online, is it really worth the risk of harming our young people?

I remember when we used to get bored easily ... now it seems like all these platforms are designed to keep us hooked like a slot machine ! I'm not surprised they're saying TikTok's addictive design is a problem, but 6% of global turnover as a fine? that's steep . I feel for the EU trying to protect kids online, we should've done this ages ago . It's crazy how social media addiction can affect young minds... my niece was glued to her screens during school hours . Guess these new laws are a step in the right direction .

I'm not surprised that TikTok is getting in trouble over this . I mean, have you seen how it's designed? It's like they want us to be stuck on that app all day! And now they're saying it's addictive? Come on, we knew that already!

And what's with the EU trying to regulate this? Can't they just leave us alone? I don't think so. They're always trying to control everything, from our phones to our TVs... it's like they're suffocating us under a blanket of rules and regulations.

And another thing, 6% fine for TikTok? That's nothing! They make billions of dollars every year. It's just a slap on the wrist. Where's the teeth in that penalty?

I'm getting a little concerned about our kids' screen time . I mean, I get it, TikTok's got some sick editing skills, but addictive design? That's not cool . My niece is always glued to that thing, and as a parent, it gives me the heebie-jeebies. If Europe is cracking down on this, maybe we should be too .

I'm all for protecting our kids online, and if TikTok needs to make some changes, so be it . But what's with all these social media bans? Are we living in a world where we can't even trust our own platforms to keep our kids safe? It feels like we're just passing the buck, you know? Anyway, I'm gonna go whip up a homemade screen time tracker for my niece - nothing beats good ol' fashioned DIY .