EU Slams TikTok's "Addictive Design" as Tech Giants Duel Over AI.

TikTok Faces EU Scrutiny Over "Addictive Design"

The European Union has warned TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face substantial fines, following a probe into the platform's compliance with online safety regulations. The European Commission initiated the investigation in February 2024, focusing on the Chinese-owned app's potential breaches of EU rules.

The Commission's preliminary findings indicated that TikTok failed to adequately assess the potential harm that features like autoplay could inflict on users' well-being, particularly children. Furthermore, the EU body asserted that TikTok did not implement sufficient measures to mitigate these risks.

A TikTok spokesperson disputed the EU's assessment, telling the BBC that the findings presented a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform." The company indicated its intention to challenge the findings.

The EU's concerns center on how TikTok's design may encourage excessive usage and potentially expose vulnerable users to harmful content. The specific changes demanded by the EU and the potential fine amounts were not immediately disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and TikTok's response will likely determine the next steps in the process.