TikTok has come under scrutiny from the European Commission, which believes the platform may be violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to its addictive design.

According to the Commission, features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and a highly personalised recommendation system encourage compulsive use of the app—particularly among children and vulnerable adults—thereby putting their physical and mental health at risk. Scientific studies indicate that addictive design features reduce self-control and promote so-called “autopilot” behaviour, in which users remain on the app without realising how much time has passed.

“The addictive design of TikTok violates the DSA,” said Commission spokesperson for digital issues Tomas Renier. He noted that the platform has around 170 million users in the European Union, “most of whom are children.” Renier added that TikTok is “by far the most used platform after midnight” among children aged 13 to 18, with 7% of children aged 12 to 15 spending four to five hours a day on the app—figures he described as “extremely worrying.”

The Commission also argues that TikTok’s existing safeguards, such as screen-time management tools and parental controls, are ineffective, as they can be easily circumvented and do not adequately mitigate the associated risks.

At this stage, the Commission believes TikTok should modify the core design of its service by considering the removal or limitation of addictive features such as infinite scrolling, introducing effective screen breaks, and adjusting its recommendation system.

These preliminary findings do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. TikTok now has the opportunity to exercise its right of defence. If the findings are confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, which could result in a fine of up to 6% of the company’s global annual turnover.