Addictive Design: TikTok illegal in its current form under EU law

The European Union has preliminarily determined that TikTok's current design violates the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing its "addictive design" as a key concern. This finding marks a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate large digital platforms and protect users, particularly younger demographics, from potentially harmful online practices. The preliminary investigation by the EU highlights a growing focus on the algorithmic underpinnings of social media platforms and their impact on user behavior. The core of the EU's concern revolves around TikTok's algorithmic content recommendation system, which is alleged to create an addictive user experience. This system, designed to keep users engaged for extended periods, may be in contravention of the DSA's provisions aimed at preventing and mitigating systemic risks, including those related to mental health and addiction. The EU's preliminary findings suggest that the platform's design actively encourages excessive use, potentially exploiting vulnerabilities in its user base. This preliminary ruling could have substantial implications for TikTok and other social media companies operating within the EU. If the final assessment upholds these findings, TikTok may be required to significantly alter its platform's design and algorithms to comply with EU regulations. This could lead to a broader re-evaluation of content recommendation systems across the digital landscape, pushing for more user-centric and less addictive online environments. The EU's assertive stance underscores its commitment to fostering a safer and more responsible digital space for its citizens.