The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face serious financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform breached EU online safety laws. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s design choices influence user behaviour.
The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to user wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and constant content delivery. They said these features can cause harm, especially to children. Regulators also said TikTok failed to introduce effective safeguards.
TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm described the conclusions as inaccurate and unjustified. TikTok said it plans to challenge the assessment.
Regulators Warn of Fines on a Massive Scale
TikTok now has the chance to respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings. Regulators will review the response before making a final decision. If violations are confirmed, the Commission can impose heavy fines. The penalty could reach six percent of TikTok’s global annual revenue. Estimates place that figure 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 sanctions. Regulators expect meaningful and structural changes.
EU Puts Algorithms and Infinite Scroll Under Pressure
The Commission proposed several actions TikTok could take. Officials suggested adding screen time breaks during late-night use. They also recommended changes to recommendation algorithms. These systems currently push 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 user control.
Virkkunen said the Digital Services Act holds platforms responsible for user impact. She said Europe enforces these rules strictly. She stressed the aim is to protect citizens and children online.
Experts Say TikTok Still Fails to Meet Standards
Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics said TikTok’s safety tools remain insufficient. She acknowledged some recent improvements by the platform. However, she said these steps fall short of EU requirements. Livingstone said young users support stronger protections. She added many feel platforms prioritise profit over wellbeing.
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the word addictive often gets misused. However, he said regulators relied on behavioural science. Navarra described the findings as a turning point for regulation.
He said regulators now focus on platform design itself. He added the debate has moved beyond harmful content. According to Navarra, harmful design now defines the problem.
A Wider Warning for the Tech Industry
The TikTok case follows earlier EU action against major technology firms. In December 2024, regulators opened another investigation into TikTok. 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 holders.
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 by design.
