The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face major financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform breached EU online safety laws. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation that began 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 harm users, particularly children. Regulators also said TikTok did not introduce adequate measures to limit those risks.
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.
Brussels Signals Fines That Could Reach Record Levels
TikTok now has the opportunity to respond to the preliminary findings. The Commission will review the response before issuing a final decision. If violations are confirmed, regulators can impose significant fines. The penalty could reach six percent of TikTok’s global annual revenue. Estimates place that amount in the tens of billions.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen said TikTok must redesign its service in Europe. She said action is necessary to avoid sanctions. Regulators expect meaningful changes rather than limited adjustments.
Algorithms and Infinite Scroll Face Direct Action
The Commission proposed several measures TikTok could adopt. Officials suggested introducing screen time breaks during late-night use. They also recommended changes to recommendation algorithms. These systems currently deliver constant personalised content.
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 accountable for their impact. She said Europe enforces these rules strictly. She stressed the aim is to protect children and citizens online.
Experts Support Shift Toward Design Accountability
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 efforts fall short of EU standards. Livingstone said young users want stronger protections. She added many feel platforms value profit over wellbeing.
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the term addictive often gets misused. However, he said regulators relied on behavioural science. Navarra described the findings as a turning point for oversight.
He said regulators now challenge platform design itself. He added the debate has moved beyond harmful content. According to Navarra, harmful design now defines the issue.
A Clear Warning to the Global Tech Industry
The TikTok case follows earlier EU action against major technology firms. In December 2024, regulators opened another investigation into TikTok. That probe 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 platform 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.
