TikTok’s infinite scroll is too addictive, say EU regulators

European Union regulators have issued preliminary findings suggesting TikTok's design may violate the Digital Services Act (DSA). This investigation, focused on the social media platform's "addictive design," could result in significant fines and mandate fundamental changes to the app's core functionalities if the findings are upheld. The EU's action underscores its increasing scrutiny of digital platforms and their impact on user well-being. The European Commission specifically targeted features such as infinite scroll, autoplay videos, push notifications, and the platform's personalized recommender system. Regulators argue that these elements, when combined, create an "addictive" user experience that lacks adequate safeguards to prevent potential harm to users' physical and mental health. This detailed examination highlights the EU's intent to enforce stricter content moderation and design principles within its digital market. If these preliminary results are confirmed, TikTok faces substantial penalties and could be compelled to alter its service design to comply with DSA regulations. This development impacts not only TikTok but also sets a precedent for how other large digital platforms will be evaluated under the DSA's framework. The EU's push for digital sovereignty and user protection is clearly demonstrated through these enforcement actions.