European Union says video app TikTok must change ‘addictive’ design

TikTok calls European Commission probe ‘meritless’, pledges to challenge findings the video platform harms minors.Published On 7 Feb 2026Authorities in the European Union said that the video-sharing platform TikTok is in breach of online content regulations, warning the company to change “addictive” features in order to protect minors from compulsive use.The European Commission shared the preliminary conclusions of a probe into TikTok on Friday, stating that features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a personalised recommendation algorithm encouraged addiction.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Spain v social media giants: What’s the big dispute about?list 2 of 3TikTok settles addiction lawsuit before trial against Meta, YouTubelist 3 of 3Gaza-based journalist Bisan Owda regains TikTok account after outcryend of list“TikTok has to take actions and they have to change the design of their service in Europe to protect our minors,” EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen told reporters.European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the “measures that TikTok has in place are simply not enough”.“These features lead to the compulsive use of the app, especially for our kids, and this poses major risks to their mental health and wellbeing,” Regnier said, stating that the app is in violation of the Digital Services Act.The EU regulator has threatened TikTok with a potential fine of as much as 6 percent of the global turnover of ByteDance, the platform’s owner.TikTok slammed the findings, saying they are without basis.“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,” a spokesperson for TikTok said.The probe comes as EU countries are seeking greater restrictions on powerful tech and social media companies, often with the stated goal of protecting young users.