EU says TikTok needs to drop "addictive design"

February 7, 2026
EU says TikTok needs to drop "addictive design"

Here's something that might surprise you — regulators in Brussels are sending a pretty clear message to TikTok. They’re warning that the app’s endless scrolling feeds could actually break European rules designed to protect users, especially kids. According to Barbara Moens writing in the Financial Times, the European Commission believes TikTok hasn't done enough to assess and fix the addictive features that could harm mental and physical health. Now, here's where it gets interesting — this isn’t just about social media being fun. It’s a test of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which aims to hold giants accountable for systemic risks. What’s at stake? Well, if TikTok can’t prove it’s managing these risks, it might have to change how its platform works — or face penalties. So, this isn’t just a European thing; it’s a bold move that could reshape how these platforms operate worldwide. As Moens points out, regulators are really stepping up, and the implications could be huge for how we all interact online.

Brussels has warned TikTok that its endlessly scrolling feeds may breach Europe’s new content rules, as regulators press ahead with efforts to rein in the social effects of big online platforms.

In preliminary findings issued on Friday, the European Commission said it believed the group had failed to adequately assess and mitigate the risks posed by addictive design features that could harm users’ physical and mental wellbeing, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.

The warning marks one of the most advanced tests yet of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to identify and curb systemic risks linked to their products.

Read full article

Comments

Audio Transcript

Brussels has warned TikTok that its endlessly scrolling feeds may breach Europe’s new content rules, as regulators press ahead with efforts to rein in the social effects of big online platforms.

In preliminary findings issued on Friday, the European Commission said it believed the group had failed to adequately assess and mitigate the risks posed by addictive design features that could harm users’ physical and mental wellbeing, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.

The warning marks one of the most advanced tests yet of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to identify and curb systemic risks linked to their products.

Read full article

Comments

0:00/0:00