European Commission: TikTok algorithms violate EU law

European Commission Issues Preliminary Finding Against TikTok Over Addictive Algorithms

Users sliding through an endless loop of videos about body image, sadness, or isolation on TikTok face systemic risks that violate European Union law, the European Commission announced in a preliminary finding. The platform serves users a continuous stream of personalized content on its For You page, where interaction with specific topics triggers even more of the same material. The algorithm evaluates views and likes as signs of interest, pulling vulnerable adults and minors into rabbit holes that are difficult to escape.

Platform algorithms prioritize watch time over explicit user wishes, meaning tools like the “not interested” button fail to change the content stream effectively. The Commission argues that TikTok did not adequately assess how its recommendation system draws users into these loops or implement effective measures to mitigate the risks. Henna Virkkunen, vice-president of the Commission, stated that platforms bear responsibility under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for the negative impacts of their recommendation systems.

TikTok Rejects Claims While Facing Potential Penalties Up to Six Percent of Global Turnover

TikTok rejects the accusations, with a company spokesperson stating that the claims contain fundamental inconsistencies and that the platform maintains a strong record of protecting users while giving them direct control over their viewing experience. The company now has the right to defend itself by reviewing documents in the investigative file and responding in writing to the preliminary findings. The European Board for Digital Services will also issue an opinion on the matter.

If the Commission confirms its view, it can issue a decision of non-compliance and impose a fine of up to six percent of the provider’s total annual worldwide turnover, though these findings do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. The European Commission demands a redesign of the platform’s interface, including a greater emphasis on explicit user preferences and the removal of watch time as a primary recommendation criterion. The Irish digital services regulator supported the investigation.

Investigation Timeline and Prior Regulatory Actions Against ByteDance

Friday’s conclusions form part of a broader ongoing proceeding examining whether TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, complies with the DSA. In February, the Commission issued preliminary findings regarding addictive design, followed in July by findings on the protection of minors. Preliminary conclusions regarding researchers’ access to public data were reached in October 2025, while the advertising transparency portion concluded in December 2025 with binding platform proposals.

Questions Concerning the Ongoing Regulatory Proceedings

What specific changes does the European Commission demand from TikTok?

The Commission demands a redesign of the For You page that places greater emphasis on explicit user preferences and stops using watch time as a core recommendation criterion for content loops.

How much is TikTok penalized if the violations are confirmed?

The platform faces a fine of up to six percent of its total annual worldwide turnover if the preliminary view of non-compliance is formally confirmed.

What role does the Irish digital services regulator play in this case?

The Irish regulator supported the ongoing investigation conducted by the European Commission into TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act.

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