The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face severe financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform violated EU online safety legislation. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation that started in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s design choices shape user behaviour.
The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and continuous content delivery. They said these features can negatively affect users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not introduce sufficient measures to limit those risks.
TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm described the assessment as inaccurate and unjustified. TikTok said it plans to challenge the conclusions.
Brussels Signals Tough Financial Sanctions
TikTok has received an invitation to respond to the preliminary findings. The Commission will review the response before making a final decision. If regulators confirm the violations, they can impose significant fines. The penalty could reach six percent of TikTok’s global annual revenue. Estimates place that amount in the tens of billions.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen said TikTok must redesign its service in Europe. She said the company must act to avoid punishment. Regulators expect substantial changes rather than limited adjustments.
Autoplay and Endless Scrolling in the Spotlight
The Commission proposed several changes TikTok could implement. Officials suggested adding screen time breaks during late-night use. They also recommended modifying recommendation algorithms. These systems currently deliver constant personalised content to users.
Regulators also urged TikTok to disable infinite scroll. This feature allows users to swipe endlessly through videos. Officials believe it promotes excessive use and reduces self-control.
Virkkunen said the Digital Services Act makes platforms accountable for user impact. She said Europe actively enforces its laws. She stressed the aim is to protect children and citizens online.
Researchers and Analysts Back Regulatory Shift
Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics said TikTok’s safety tools remain inadequate. She acknowledged some recent improvements by the platform. However, she said these efforts fail to meet EU standards. Livingstone said young users support stronger protections. She added many feel the platform prioritises profit over wellbeing.
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said debates often misuse the term addictive. However, he said regulators relied on behavioural science. Navarra described the findings as a major shift in oversight.
He said regulators now focus on design itself. He added the debate has moved beyond harmful content. According to Navarra, harmful design now defines the problem.
A Broader Warning for Major Tech Platforms
The TikTok case follows earlier EU action against large technology firms. In December 2024, regulators opened another TikTok investigation. That case examined alleged foreign interference in Romania’s presidential election.
The EU also launched an inquiry into Elon Musk’s X in January. Officials raised concerns about AI-generated sexualised images. Regulators examined the use of the platform’s Grok tool.
In December 2025, the EU fined X €120m. Authorities said its blue tick system misled users. Regulators concluded the company failed to properly verify account identities.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore described the TikTok case as a warning shot. He said it serves as a reality check for social media companies. Pescatore said the market is shifting away from pure engagement. He added regulators now enforce responsibility through design.
