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

Al Jazeera Public HealthNews ReportEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraFebruary 7, 2026 at 06:08 AM

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

AI Summary

short article 2 min

The European Union has warned TikTok to modify its platform's design, citing concerns that features like infinite scroll and personalized recommendations promote addictive behavior among minors. The European Commission's preliminary probe concluded that TikTok's current measures are insufficient to protect young users' mental health and wellbeing, potentially violating the Digital Services Act. The EU is threatening a fine of up to 6% of ByteDance's global turnover if TikTok fails to comply. TikTok has refuted the EU's findings, calling them "meritless" and pledging to challenge them. The probe is part of a broader EU effort to regulate tech and social media companies to protect young users.

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Public Health

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Technology

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

EU regulator has threatened TikTok with a potential fine of as much as 6 percent of ByteDance's global turnover.

factual — Article Text100% confidence

TikTok slammed the findings, saying they are without basis.

quote — TikTok spokesperson100% confidence

The European Commission shared preliminary conclusions of a probe into TikTok.

factual — European Commission100% confidence

European Union says video app TikTok must change ‘addictive’ design to protect minors.

factual — Article Title100% confidence

Features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and personalized recommendation algorithm encouraged addiction.

factual — European Commission90% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Europe 35% ByteDance 40% Thomas Regnier 50% Digital Services Act 50% Henna Virkkunen 60% European Commission ×275% European Union ×385% TikTok ×1090%

Keywords

tiktok 100% european union 90% addictive design 80% minors 70% online content regulations 60% digital services act 60% mental health 50% compulsive use 50% recommendation algorithm 40% social media 40%