How EU Regulators Might Change TikTok

What’s Happening

So basically European regulators say that TikTok is too “addictive,” and it could have worldwide implications.

If you’ve ever joined me in the misfortune of downloading TikTok, you’ve probably spent at least one evening mindlessly scrolling until two or three in the morning, not even looking for anything in particular to watch. According to the EU, that needs to change, as the region has preliminarily determined that the “addictive” app is in violation of its Digital Services Act. (plot twist fr)

5 and followed an investigation from the European Commission into the effects that features including infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and the fabled TikTok algorithm have on the minds of users.

The Details

According to the commission’s findings, “TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults. ” What will follow is likely a lengthy legal battle that could end up with the app having to either change how it operates and/or pay a hefty fine.

And while it sounds like the effects would be limited to Europe, they could have global ramifications. Here’s what’s going on with the state of TikTok in Europe, and what you need to know about what comes next.

Why This Matters

What is the Digital Services Act, and how did TikTok break it? The EU’s Digital Services Act kicked off being enforced in 2022, and generally focuses on regulating everyday online platforms, including marketplaces and socials apps. As TikTok is both of these in one , it falls under the act’s scrutiny, although it might not be the TikTok you’re thinking of.

This is part of the broader shift happening across the tech industry right now.

The Bottom Line

Specifically, the target here would be original TikTok owners ByteDance , rather than the new ownership for the American version of the app . That’s because ByteDance continues to operate TikTok outside of the United States, although Americans might still see some fallout from the EU’s regulation.

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