EU regulators have raised concerns about TikTok’s design, suggesting it could breach the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation targets features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and push notifications, which are deemed potentially harmful to users’ well-being. The European Commission highlighted the need for TikTok to implement stricter safeguards to prevent compulsive behavior and enhance parental controls. If found in violation, TikTok could face significant fines and be required to modify its service design to comply with regulations.
The ongoing scrutiny, initiated in February 2024, has already faulted TikTok for lacking transparency in advertising practices and data provision. Despite the preliminary findings, TikTok refutes the depiction of its platform as ‘entirely meritless’ and will have the opportunity to defend its design choices as part of the investigation process. The outcome could lead to substantial penalties, potentially amounting to 6% of TikTok’s global annual turnover.
Source: The Verge