EU Regulators Warn TikTok to Reform 'Addictive' Design or Face Massive Fines
The European Union has served a formal notice to Chinese-owned social media giant TikTok, warning it to overhaul its "addictive" design to avoid massive fines. This move comes after an investigation by the EU found that TikTok had breached its online safety rules.
According to the EU's preliminary findings, the platform failed to adequately assess how features such as autoplay could harm users, particularly children, and did not implement measures to mitigate these risks. The European Commission has criticized TikTok for not providing a clear way for users to control their experience on the platform, including during nighttime hours.
In response, TikTok has described the EU's findings as "categorically false and entirely meritless." However, if the company fails to comply with the EU's recommendations, it could face fines of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover – a significant amount considering the platform's massive user base.
The European Commission has made several suggestions for TikTok to reform its design, including implementing "screen time breaks" when users are active at night and changing its algorithms to prioritize user wellbeing over engagement. Another proposed change is disabling "infinite scroll," which allows users to quickly cycle through millions of videos on the platform.
This move marks a significant shift in the EU's approach to regulating social media platforms, as it emphasizes not just the removal of toxic content but also the redesign of platforms to promote user safety and wellbeing. The European Commission has made it clear that it will not tolerate any platform that prioritizes engagement over user welfare.
For TikTok, this is a wake-up call to reform its design and prioritize user safety, particularly in regards to children's online experience. However, the company's response so far suggests a lack of willingness to change, which could lead to significant financial consequences if it fails to comply with the EU's regulations.
The European Union has served a formal notice to Chinese-owned social media giant TikTok, warning it to overhaul its "addictive" design to avoid massive fines. This move comes after an investigation by the EU found that TikTok had breached its online safety rules.
According to the EU's preliminary findings, the platform failed to adequately assess how features such as autoplay could harm users, particularly children, and did not implement measures to mitigate these risks. The European Commission has criticized TikTok for not providing a clear way for users to control their experience on the platform, including during nighttime hours.
In response, TikTok has described the EU's findings as "categorically false and entirely meritless." However, if the company fails to comply with the EU's recommendations, it could face fines of up to 6% of its total global annual turnover – a significant amount considering the platform's massive user base.
The European Commission has made several suggestions for TikTok to reform its design, including implementing "screen time breaks" when users are active at night and changing its algorithms to prioritize user wellbeing over engagement. Another proposed change is disabling "infinite scroll," which allows users to quickly cycle through millions of videos on the platform.
This move marks a significant shift in the EU's approach to regulating social media platforms, as it emphasizes not just the removal of toxic content but also the redesign of platforms to promote user safety and wellbeing. The European Commission has made it clear that it will not tolerate any platform that prioritizes engagement over user welfare.
For TikTok, this is a wake-up call to reform its design and prioritize user safety, particularly in regards to children's online experience. However, the company's response so far suggests a lack of willingness to change, which could lead to significant financial consequences if it fails to comply with the EU's regulations.
tiktok needs 2 make some serious changes ASAP!! they cant just keep exploiting ppl's addictions & expect them 2 not have any issues lol. newsflash: autoplay is NOT fun & games 
its literally bad for ur mental health! so yeah, if they dont shape up & prioritize user safety over engagement, i'd bet my last $100 they'll get SLAMMED with those massive fines 
, as it acknowledges that social media platforms have a responsibility to protect users' wellbeing above all else. however, it's concerning that tiktok has responded with such skepticism and refused to acknowledge any flaws in its design 
. this could lead to a situation where the eu has to take more drastic measures, which would be detrimental not only to tiktok but also to the broader social media ecosystem as a whole 
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They need to take these suggestions from the EU seriously and make some major changes ASAP! 
Implementing screen time breaks and disabling infinite scroll would be a huge step forward in promoting user safety and wellbeing. 
It's not just about removing toxic content, but also about creating an ecosystem that prioritizes users' mental health over engagement metrics. 
#TikTokReform #EURegulationsMatter #UserSafetyFirst 
just saw that TikTok is being forced to change its "addictive" design by the EU 
I mean, who doesn't know that infinite scroll is bad news? 
but still, 6% fines sounds like a lot 
anyway...
I mean, who knew the EU was paying attention to TikTok's algorithm? It's like they're saying "Hey, we know you're making us all go crazy with these endless videos!" And now they want to put a stop to it? Like, finally! 
But seriously, can't we just take breaks from scrolling and water bottles? My phone battery dies when I realize I've been on TikTok for 3 hours... btw did you know the EU is like the social media police now? 
I mean we all know how addictive that app can be, especially for kids 
. The thought of them not having control over their experience on there at night is just scary 
. But hey let's hope the EU's warnings push TikTok to make some changes 
. We need more platforms prioritizing user wellbeing over engagement 
. It's about time we start looking out for our online safety 
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It's all about engagement and views, right? Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how they respond to these "categorically false" findings... I'm not expecting much change anytime soon 
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The EU is taking a huge step in prioritizing user safety and wellbeing over engagement metrics. I'm all for that! 
. I mean, have you seen the way TikTok is designed? It's like a never-ending loop of endless scrolling 
. And what's worse, our kids are stuck in that vortex, wasting hours on end without even realizing how much time is passing by 
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. They can't just let these companies walk all over them and exploit their users for profit 
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. After all, our children are the future – we need to make sure they're online for good 
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We gotta give credit to the EU for taking a stand on social media regulation and prioritizing user safety, but TikTok needs to step up its game and take responsibility for its design changes. Can't have a platform that's more concerned with getting us hooked than looking out for our wellbeing 
sounds like a pretty basic redesign to me 
. what's next, regulating all the other social media platforms too? 
anyway, i feel 4 the EU 4 takin action & putting pressure on TikTok 2 make changes tho