The European Commission has accused TikTok of an “addictive design,” alleging that features like infinite scroll and autoplay encourage compulsive use by keeping users in an “autopilot mode.” Regulators claim the platform failed to adequately assess the potential harm to physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for minors and vulnerable adults. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which holds platforms accountable for user safety, TikTok faces possible fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue for serious breaches. With estimated 2024 revenue near $35 billion, the penalty could exceed $2 billion. The company rejected the findings as “categorically false and entirely meritless.”
The investigation forms part of wider EU scrutiny of digital services. Separately, the Commission is examining TikTok’s role in Romania’s annulled 2024 presidential election, where intelligence agencies alleged foreign interference via the platform—a claim TikTok denies. These actions align with a broader EU crackdown on major technology firms, including a €120 million fine last year against Elon Musk’s X for deceptive verification practices.
The regulatory approach has drawn criticism from the United States. A recent U.S. House Judiciary Committee report described the EU’s efforts as “the most aggressive censorship” in recent years, framing them as a decade-long push to force platforms to moderate content labeled “hate speech” or “disinformation.” Tensions have escalated, with the U.S. threatening retaliatory tariffs.
Several countries, including France, Germany, Australia, and the UK, are also pursuing policies to restrict social media access for younger teenagers due to mental health concerns. The combined regulatory pressure highlights a growing global divergence in how digital platforms are governed, with the EU enforcing stricter user protection rules while facing accusations of overreach from industry figures and foreign governments. The outcome of the TikTok case may set a significant precedent for how addictive design features are regulated under the DSA.
