EU Orders TikTok to Adjust Platform Design Over User Safety Concerns

The European Union has instructed TikTok to modify its platform design to address concerns over user wellbeing or face potential fines. An investigation launched in February 2024 found that TikTok did not properly evaluate the impact of features such as autoplay and infinite scroll, which can negatively affect users, particularly children. The EU recommended implementing screen time breaks during nighttime usage and adjusting content recommendation algorithms. TikTok has disputed the EU’s preliminary findings, describing them as false, and intends to challenge them. If the platform fails to comply, it could be fined up to 6% of its global annual revenue, estimated in the tens of billions. Experts have noted that this marks a shift in regulatory focus from harmful content to platform design itself. Professor Sonia Livingstone highlighted that current safety tools are insufficient, and users are calling for better protection. Similarly, social media analyst Matt Navarra emphasized that this represents a fundamental change in regulating social media, moving from engagement maximization to responsibility enforcement. The EU has previously investigated TikTok for election interference and other platforms like X for misleading verification practices. Analysts view the decision as a warning to the entire social media industry, signaling increased regulatory oversight and accountability for platform design and user safety.