The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that TikTok is in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA), finding that the platform’s design features may create addictive effects that pose risks to users’ mental and physical wellbeing, including minors.
According to the Commission, its investigation indicates that TikTok failed to adequately assess and mitigate the systemic risks associated with features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and a highly personalised recommender system. The authority considers that these elements may encourage compulsive use of the platform and undermine users’ ability to control their time spent on the service.
The Commission’s preliminary assessment suggests that TikTok’s risk analysis did not sufficiently take into account indicators of potentially harmful use, including the amount of time minors spend on the platform during night hours, the frequency with which users open the application and other signals of compulsive behaviour. Scientific research reviewed by the Commission indicates that constant content rewards may push users into an “autopilot” mode, reducing self-control and increasing the risk of addiction.
The authority also raised concerns regarding TikTok’s risk mitigation measures. In particular, it found that existing screen time management tools and parental controls may not be effective in addressing the risks linked to the platform’s design. The Commission noted that time management tools can be easily dismissed and introduce limited friction, while parental controls may require additional time and technical skills from parents to be properly implemented.
At this stage, the Commission considers that TikTok may need to modify the core design of its service. Potential measures cited include disabling or limiting certain addictive features over time, introducing effective screen time breaks — including during night hours — and adapting the recommender system to reduce risks associated with excessive use.
The Commission emphasised that these findings are preliminary and do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. TikTok now has the opportunity to exercise its rights of defence, including reviewing the investigation file and submitting written observations. The European Board for Digital Services will also be consulted as part of the procedure.
If the Commission’s preliminary views are ultimately confirmed, it may adopt a non-compliance decision under the DSA. Such a decision could result in fines of up to 6% of TikTok’s total worldwide annual turnover, depending on the nature, gravity, duration and recurrence of the infringement.
The proceedings form part of a broader investigation into TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, launched in February 2024. In addition to addictive design, the investigation covers risks linked to recommender systems, the protection of minors — including age verification issues — data access for researchers and advertising transparency. Previous aspects of the investigation resulted in preliminary findings and binding commitments adopted in 2025.
Commenting on the case, Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said that social media addiction can have serious consequences for children and adolescents, adding that the Digital Services Act places responsibility on platforms to address the effects their services have on users.