TikTok is 'addictive' to kids and faces big fine - European Commission

""The Commission's investigation preliminarily indicates that TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults,""

""For example, 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.""

""Additionally, in its assessment, TikTok disregarded important indicators of compulsive use of the app, such as the time that minors spend on TikTok at night, the frequency with which users open the app, and other potential indicators.""

""the Commission's preliminary findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform and we will take whatever steps are necessary to challenge these findings through every means available to us.""

The European Commission's preliminary decision found that TikTok's features — including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and a personalised recommender system — are addictive by design and may contravene the Digital Services Act. The investigation examined the recommender system's "rabbit hole" effects, security and safety for children, and risks from misrepresented ages. The Commission concluded TikTok did not adequately assess harm to physical and mental wellbeing, ignored indicators of compulsive use such as nighttime use and app-open frequency, and faces a potential fine of up to 6% of annual turnover. TikTok disputes the findings and intends to challenge them.

Read at Irish Independent