EDRi welcomes EU preliminary findings on TikTok’s addictive platform design
The European Commission has issued a preliminary finding that TikTok's platform design may violate the Digital Services Act (DSA). This assessment highlights concerns over potentially addictive features that could expose users to significant risks. European Digital Rights (EDRI) has voiced strong support for this preliminary conclusion, emphasizing the urgent need for TikTok to address these identified issues. The investigation centers on TikTok's algorithmic systems and content recommendation engines, which are suspected of fostering addictive user behavior. While specific technical details remain under review, the core concern lies in the platform's capacity to create cycles of excessive engagement. This preliminary finding signifies a critical step in the DSA's enforcement, marking a potential turning point in how digital platforms are scrutinized for user well-being. This development will directly impact TikTok and its millions of European users, particularly younger demographics who are more susceptible to addictive design patterns. The broader implication is a strengthening of the DSA's mandate to protect users from harmful online practices, pushing digital platforms towards greater accountability for their design choices. It also reinforces the EU's commitment to digital sovereignty by asserting its regulatory power over major global platforms.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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