Digital Services Act: EU Commission wants to limit TikTok use

The European Commission has signaled a significant intervention in the digital landscape, moving to address concerns over TikTok's addictive platform design. This action, taken under the Digital Services Act (DSA), underscores the EU's commitment to mitigating the negative effects of large online platforms, particularly on younger users. The investigation specifically targets the app's inherent risks, highlighting a growing regulatory focus on user well-being and digital platform accountability. The Commission's preliminary findings indicate that TikTok's current risk mitigation measures are insufficient to combat issues like excessive screen time and potential mental health impacts. Reports suggest minors spend hours daily on the app, engaging with it frequently and even after midnight, raising alarm bells among officials. While parental responsibility is acknowledged, the investigation emphasizes the platform's due diligence obligations in safeguarding its users, especially vulnerable age groups. The implications of these findings are substantial, potentially leading to mandated changes in TikTok's core functionalities. The Commission is pushing for stricter controls, including easier disabling of notifications, modifications to the scrolling experience, and a more user-intent-driven recommendation system. Most notably, proposed measures include mandatory screen time limits and overnight restrictions for all users, a move that would directly impact the app's engagement model and user habits across the EU.