EU charges TikTok with failing to protect users’ mental health
The European Commission has charged TikTok with failing to protect users' mental health by exposing them to harmful algorithmic content that can worsen eating disorders and anxiety.
The EU regulator issued a preliminary ruling on Friday, stating that TikTok's algorithm 'can be harmful' and leads young and vulnerable users 'down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from.' The platform has 189 million users in the EU.
Officials focused on legal content where individual videos might not be problematic, but the cumulative effect of watching numerous videos on themes like body image or isolation could damage users' mental health.
Every time a user scrolls or likes a video on TikTok, the algorithm serves more of the same leading users down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from.
Ineffective safeguards
TikTok's safeguards against 'rabbit-hole effects' were found to be ineffective. For example, when users marked content as 'not interested,' the algorithm continued to serve similar material. Refreshing the feed only provided temporary relief.
The investigation targets TikTok's business model, which relies on keeping users engaged for extended periods. EU officials want the platform to redesign its ForYou feed to give users more control over content.
Legal consequences
The case falls under the Digital Services Act, which requires large internet companies to prevent various harms including mental health damage. TikTok previously faced EU violations over its 'addictive design' features.
The company has an opportunity to examine the investigation file and defend itself. TikTok could agree to change its recommender system to avoid potential fines of up to 6% of its global turnover if EU officials uphold the finding.
Related
