TikTok violates the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to its design, which generates dependenceThis is the preliminary conclusion reached by the European Commission, examining the social networks of Chinese ByteDance, based on short videos. Among the features under attack are features such as infinite scrolling, the rautomatic reproduction, the notifications push and its system of rhighly personalized adviceTikTok, which appears to dislike Brussels' remarks, responded immediately.
TikTok, stop the EU
According to the Commission, TikTok has not adequately assessed how these addictive features could harm the “physical and mental” well-being of users, In particular of minor and vulnerable adultsFor example, by constantly “rewarding” users with new content, some TikTok features fuel the impulse to keep flowing, putting users' brains into “autopilot” mode.
Scientific research, according to the Commission, shows that all this can lead to behaviors “compulsive”, reducing users' self-control. Furthermore, in its evaluation, TikTok "ignored" important indicators of compulsive use of the app, such as The time minors spend on TikTok at night, how often users open the app, and other potential indicators.
TikTok's Infinite Scrolling Under Fire
Time management tools do not appear to be effective in helping users reduce and control their TikTok use, as they are easy to ignore and introduce a limited clutch. Likewise, i parental controls They may not be effective because they require additional time and skills from parents to activate.
At this stage, the Commission considers that TikTok should change the basic design of its service. For example, by deactivating over time the main additive features such as “infinite scroll”, introducing effective breaks in screen use, even overnight, and adapting its recommendation system. These preliminary findings do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
TikTok: What the EU Can Do and What the Risks Are for Chinese Society
The Commission's preliminary assessments are based on athorough investigation which included the analysis of the evaluation reports of the risks of TikTok, its internal data and documents, responses to multiple requests for information, a review of the extensive scientific literature on the topic, and interviews with experts in various fields, including behavioral addiction.
TikTok now has the ability to exercise its right of defense. It will be able to examine the documents in the Commission's investigation file and respond in writing to the preliminary findings. In parallel, the European Digital Services Board will be consulted. If the Commission's assessments are confirmed, the Commission may adopt a decision of non-compliance, which may lead to a sanction proportionate to the nature, severity, recidivism and duration of the infringement, up to a maximum of 6% of turnover annual global supplier.
The TikTok reply
“The Commission's preliminary investigations describe our platform in a completely false and unfounded and we will do everything necessary to counter these accusations with every means at our disposal." This was stated by a spokesperson for TikTok following the European Commission's investigation.
