The European Union has warned TikTok to overhaul its platform design or face substantial financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform breached EU online safety regulations. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators focused on how TikTok’s mechanics influence user behaviour.
The Commission said TikTok failed to properly evaluate risks to user wellbeing. Investigators examined autoplay and continuous content delivery systems. They said these features can harm users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok failed to implement sufficient risk mitigation measures.
TikTok dismissed the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm described the conclusions as inaccurate and unfounded. TikTok said it intends to challenge the assessment.
EU Opens Door to Multi-Billion Euro Sanctions
TikTok has been invited to respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings. Regulators will review the response before issuing a final decision. If breaches are confirmed, the Commission can impose severe fines. The penalty could reach six percent of TikTok’s global annual revenue. Estimates suggest the total could reach tens of billions.
EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen said TikTok must redesign its service across Europe. She said decisive action is required to avoid sanctions. Regulators expect concrete and lasting design changes.
Endless Feeds and Recommendation Systems Targeted
The Commission outlined several actions TikTok could take. Officials suggested introducing screen time breaks during late-night use. They also called for changes to recommendation algorithms. These systems currently push constant personalised content to users.
Regulators also urged TikTok to disable infinite scroll. This feature allows users to move endlessly through videos. Officials believe it encourages compulsive behaviour and weakens user control.
Virkkunen said the Digital Services Act makes platforms accountable for their effects. She said European authorities actively enforce these rules. She stressed the goal is to protect children and citizens online.
Researchers Say Platform Safety Still Lags Behind
Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics said TikTok’s safety tools remain inadequate. She acknowledged recent improvements introduced by the platform. However, she said these steps fall short of EU requirements. Livingstone said young users support stronger protections. She added many feel wellbeing ranks below profit.
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the term addictive often appears in misleading ways. However, he said regulators relied on established behavioural science. Navarra described the findings as a major regulatory shift.
He said regulators now target platform design itself. He added the debate has moved beyond harmful content. According to Navarra, harmful design now sits at the centre of scrutiny.
A Broader Signal to the Technology Sector
The TikTok case follows previous EU action against major technology companies. In December 2024, regulators opened another investigation into TikTok. That case 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 identities.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore described the TikTok case as a warning shot. He said it acts as a reality check for social media firms. Pescatore said the market is shifting away from pure engagement. He added regulators now enforce responsibility through design.
