The European Commission has raised concerns about TikTok’s app design, citing features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its recommendation engine as potentially ‘addictive’ and detrimental to user well-being, especially among minors and vulnerable adults.
The Commission’s investigation under the Digital Services Act highlighted TikTok’s lack of consideration for user welfare. Pointing out that the platform’s design encourages compulsive usage by rewarding users with continuous content, the Commission emphasized the potential negative impacts on user behavior and self-control.
As a result, the EU has called for significant changes to TikTok’s interface, including disabling infinite scroll, introducing screen time limits, and revising the recommendation system.
In response, TikTok refuted the accusations, deeming the Commission’s findings as ‘categorically false and entirely meritless.’ The platform expressed intentions to challenge the allegations through all available means.
Source: TechCrunch