The European Union has ordered TikTok to change its platform design or face massive financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app broke EU online safety rules. Officials reached this decision after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators analysed how TikTok’s features influence user behaviour.
The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not implement sufficient safeguards to limit these risks.
TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm called the conclusions false and unjustified. TikTok said it plans to formally challenge the assessment.
Brussels Warns of Tens of Billions in Fines
TikTok has been invited to respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings. Regulators will review the response before issuing a final decision. If violations are confirmed, the Commission can impose massive fines. The penalty could reach six percent of TikTok’s global annual revenue. Analysts estimate the total could reach tens of billions.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen said TikTok must redesign its service in Europe. She added the company must act quickly to avoid sanctions. Regulators expect meaningful structural changes rather than minor adjustments.
Infinite Scroll and Algorithms Face Scrutiny
The Commission proposed several measures TikTok could adopt. Officials suggested introducing screen time breaks during late-night use. They also recommended changes to recommendation algorithms. These systems currently deliver constant personalised content to users.
Regulators urged TikTok to disable infinite scroll. This feature allows users to swipe endlessly through videos. Officials said it encourages compulsive use and reduces user self-control.
Virkkunen said the Digital Services Act holds platforms accountable for their impact. She added European authorities enforce these rules strictly. She stressed the goal is to protect children and citizens online.
Experts Say TikTok Safety Tools Are Inadequate
Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics said TikTok’s safety tools remain insufficient. She acknowledged some improvements on the platform. However, she said these measures fall short of EU standards. Livingstone said young users want stronger protections. She added many feel platforms prioritise profit over wellbeing.
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the term addictive is often misused. However, he said regulators relied on behavioural science. Navarra described the findings as a major regulatory turning point.
He said regulators now target platform design itself. He added the debate has moved beyond harmful content. According to Navarra, toxic design is now the central concern.
A Strong Signal to Global Tech Companies
The TikTok case follows earlier EU actions against major technology firms. In December 2024, regulators opened another investigation into TikTok. That probe examined alleged foreign interference in Romania’s presidential election.
The EU also launched an inquiry into Elon Musk’s X in January. Officials raised concerns about AI-generated sexualised images. Regulators examined the platform’s Grok tool.
In December 2025, the EU fined X €120m. Authorities said its blue tick system misled users. Regulators concluded the platform failed to properly verify account holders.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore described the TikTok case as a warning shot. He said it serves as a reality check for social media platforms. Pescatore added the market is shifting away from pure engagement. Regulators now enforce responsibility by design.
