European Commission accuses TikTok of failing to properly assess risks of addictive features, opening probe that could lead to 6% global turnover fine.
European Commission Charges Against TikTok
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated that TikTok failed to properly assess how its addictive features could harm users, which is required under the Digital Services Act. According to Regnier, the Chinese platform has also not implemented effective measures to limit these risks.
The EC opened an investigation into TikTok’s practices in February 2024. The assessment issued is preliminary. “TikTok now has the right to defend itself. If it does not do so properly, the EC can issue a decision of non-compliance, resulting in a fine of 6% of the company’s global annual turnover,” said the EC spokesperson.
TikTok’s Response: “Unfounded Picture of the Platform”
In a statement sent to PAP, TikTok stated that “the EC’s preliminary findings present a categorically incorrect and unfounded picture of the platform.” “We will take all necessary steps to challenge these findings using all means available to us,” the platform announced.
TikTok believes there is no universal approach to how much screen time is appropriate, which is why it advocates for people to make conscious choices. The platform offers tools such as daily screen time limits and a reminder to close TikTok at night.
Teen Usage Statistics
According to the EC, TikTok reaches 170 million users in the European Union, with the majority being children. It is the most popular platform among young people aged 13 to 18. According to the EC, nearly one in ten TikTok users aged 12 to 15 (7%) spends four to five hours daily on the platform.
“This is happening because TikTok offers infinite scrolling, auto-play, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendation systems,” said the EC spokesperson. “These features lead to compulsive use of the app, especially among children,” he added.
Parental Controls and Election Protection
In the EC’s assessment, time management on screens and parental controls do not work properly on TikTok.
The EC is also conducting proceedings regarding risk management related to choices and public debate. The EC initiated proceedings after the first round of Romania’s presidential elections in 2024 was invalidated. Little-known pro-Russian radical Calin Georgescu won the round. The Romanian Constitutional Court found abuses in his campaign, which was mainly conducted on TikTok, and annulled the voting.
However, the EC is satisfied with its cooperation with TikTok on election protection. Regnier stated on Wednesday that the platform is “extremely willing to cooperate” in this proceeding.
