EU orders TikTok to change For You feed algorithm, warns of fines
Brussels says TikTok’s algorithm pushes users into harmful “rabbit holes” and may fine the platform under the Digital Services Act.
At a glance
- The EU ordered TikTok to change its For You feed algorithm, citing harmful “rabbit hole” effects under the Digital Services Act.
- Brussels said the system pushes users toward endless content about sadness, isolation and body image.
- TikTok rejected the findings and said fines could rise by up to 6 percent if the issue is not resolved.
The European Union has ordered TikTok to change the algorithm behind its For You feed, warning the Chinese-owned platform faces large fines if it does not comply. The European Commission announced the preliminary finding on Friday, saying the recommendation system violates the EU’s Digital Services Act by trapping users in harmful “rabbit holes” of similar content.
Brussels said the system serves users more of the same videos every time they scroll or like a post, even when the material is triggering. According to the commission, this leads to endless exposure to content about sadness, isolation and body image.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission executive vice president responsible for tech sovereignty, said TikTok must do more to protect user well-being, including that of minors. The EU acknowledged that TikTok had made some changes to reduce the risks, but ruled they were insufficient.
TikTok rejected the findings. A spokesperson called them “fundamentally inaccurate” and said the company has a strong record of protecting its community while giving users direct control over their content experience.
The commission warned that fines could rise by up to 6 percent unless TikTok resolves the issue. The platform will have an opportunity to respond before a final decision is issued.
The order follows earlier EU action against the app. In February, Brussels found TikTok had not adequately assessed how addictive features could harm the physical and mental well-being of users, including minors and vulnerable adults. In July, the bloc accused TikTok of exposing children to cyberbullying and predatory behaviour. That same month, Brussels ordered Meta to change the feeds on Facebook and Instagram under the same Digital Services Act.
The EU move comes as several countries, including France, Spain and England, have introduced measures to protect minors on social media, including bans for children under 15.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- What did the EU order TikTok to do?
- The European Union ordered TikTok to change the algorithm behind its For You feed, saying it violates the Digital Services Act.
- Why is the EU concerned about TikTok’s algorithm?
- Brussels says the feed traps users in harmful “rabbit holes” by repeatedly showing similar videos, including content about sadness, isolation and body image.
- What penalties could TikTok face?
- The commission warned fines could increase by up to 6 percent unless TikTok resolves the issue, and the company will respond before a final decision.
