The European Commission has issued preliminary findings stating that TikTok is in breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns that the platform’s core design encourages compulsive use. The investigation focuses on how features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalised recommendations affect user behaviour and wellbeing, particularly for minors and vulnerable users. Under the DSA, large online platforms are required to identify and mitigate systemic risks tied to how their services are designed and operated, not just the content they host. At the centre of the case is TikTok’s recommender system and content delivery loop.
Infinite scroll removes natural stopping points, while autoplay ensures new videos appear without user input. Combined with highly personalised recommendations, the system is designed to keep users engaged by presenting content aligned closely with their interests and behaviour. Regulators describe this as pushing users into an “autopilot mode,” where self-control is reduced and session length increases without deliberate choice.
A major part of the investigation looks at TikTok’s impact on minors. The Commission flagged concerns about how long younger users remain on the app during night hours and how frequently users reopen TikTok throughout the day. These behaviours are viewed as indicators of problematic use that should be addressed in a platform’s risk assessment process. While TikTok offers screen time limits and parental control tools, the Commission said these measures currently provide limited friction.
They can often be dismissed easily by users, and parental controls may require more technical effort from caregivers than is practical for widespread use. The Commission’s findings go beyond identifying risks and question whether TikTok’s mitigation tools actually change behaviour. Parental controls were also criticised for requiring too much setup knowledge from guardians, which can reduce their effectiveness in real-world use.
Under the Digital Services Act, platforms are expected to implement protections that work by default, rather than placing the burden primarily on users or families to configure safety. Because of this, regulators believe TikTok may need to adjust fundamental parts of its service instead of relying on optional settings. That could mean introducing unavoidable breaks, changing how recommendations are delivered, or phasing out certain engagement mechanics over time.
At the preliminary stage, the Commission says TikTok may be required to modify core design elements. This could include disabling or reshaping addictive features, introducing meaningful screen-time interruptions, and altering how the recommender system prioritises content. Rather than focusing only on moderation, the DSA pushes platforms to rethink how user experience design shapes behaviour. For TikTok, that means its signature fast-scrolling, autoplay-driven format may come under structural revision in the EU market.
The case also signals how future enforcement may work across the industry. Large social platforms, games with social feeds, and even web3-based social experiences that use algorithmic engagement loops may face similar scrutiny if their systems are found to promote harmful usage patterns.
If the Commission confirms non-compliance, it can issue a formal decision under the Digital Services Act. That decision may include fines of up to 6 percent of TikTok’s global annual turnover. Beyond financial penalties, TikTok could also be required to implement specific product changes across the European Union.
The TikTok investigation shows that the Digital Services Act is not just about what users post, but how platforms are built. Interface design, recommendation systems, and engagement mechanics are now regulatory targets. As enforcement continues, companies operating in Europe may need to reassess how their algorithms and UI choices influence behaviour, especially for younger users.
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