EU Launches Probe Into TikTok Over Its “Addictive Design”

The European Union (EU) has turned its investigative lens toward TikTok, the popular social media platform, to scrutinize its adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA). This formal probe aims to assess whether TikTok’s practices breach the DSA in several critical areas.

The Areas Under Examination

1. Protection of Minors: The EU is closely examining TikTok’s measures to safeguard young users. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of age verification tools and assessing the overall privacy and safety of minors.
2. Advertising Transparency: Transparency in advertising practices is crucial. The EU wants to ensure that TikTok provides clear information to users about sponsored content and advertising.
3. Data Access for Researchers: The investigation delves into TikTok’s openness in granting access to data for research purposes. Transparency and data availability are essential for understanding the platform’s impact.
4. Risk Management of Addictive Design and Harmful Content: TikTok’s algorithmic system is under scrutiny. The EU is concerned that it might encourage addictive behavior and create a “rabbit hole effect” of content consumption.

Before launching the formal investigation, the EU considered a risk assessment report submitted by TikTok itself. However, the concerns raised prompted the need for a deeper examination.

The European Commission continues to gather data, and there is no fixed deadline for the investigation. As TikTok’s influence grows, ensuring compliance with regulations becomes paramount. The outcome of this probe will shape the platform’s future practices and impact millions of users across Europe.