EU says TikTok must disable 'addictive' features like infinite scroll, fix its recommendation engine | TechCrunch

"The European Commission on Friday accused TikTok of purposefully designing its app for being "addictive," calling out features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and push notifications, as well as its recommendation engine."

""By constantly 'rewarding' users with new content, certain design features of TikTok fuel the urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain of users into 'autopilot mode'. Scientific research shows that this may lead to compulsive behaviour and reduce users' self-control," the Commission wrote in a statement."

""The time management tools do not seem to be effective in enabling users to reduce and control their use of TikTok because they are easy to dismiss and introduce limited friction. Similarly, parental controls may not be effective because they require additional time and skills from parents to introduce the controls," the Commission wrote."

The European Commission found that TikTok purposefully designed app elements to encourage addictive use, citing infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its recommendation engine. The platform did not adequately assess how design choices could harm well-being, especially for minors and vulnerable adults. Regulators identified ignored indicators of compulsive use, such as nighttime time spent and frequent app openings. The Commission warned that rewarding users with new content can shift users into autopilot mode, potentially causing compulsive behaviour and reduced self-control. The Commission requires changes to basic interface design and found existing screen-time and parental controls insufficient.

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