EU Says TikTok Must Change Its For You Feed

The European Commission says TikTok’s recommendation algorithm may breach the bloc’s online platform rules by creating a “rabbit hole effect” for users. In preliminary findings announced on Friday, the Commission said the algorithm can expose people repeatedly to content about sadness, isolation, or body image.

The Commission said controls TikTok has introduced to limit this effect do not appear effective. It says TikTok must change the design of its For You feed or could face fines of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover.

The findings follow an earlier Commission statement that TikTok’s design is too “addictive.” The platform also faces scrutiny in the United States, where lawmakers and lawsuits have raised concerns about child safety.

The Commission’s investigation is being conducted under the Digital Services Act, which took effect in 2023. The law holds technology companies accountable for their impact on users. The Commission has also targeted X, Meta, Temu, and AliExpress over alleged violations. The Verge, citing Politico, reports this is the first time the Commission has cited a recommendation algorithm as a reason for a breach.

Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, said the preliminary findings show TikTok needs to do more to protect users’ well-being, including that of minors.