tech

February 7, 2026

EU says TikTok must disable 'addictive' features like infinite scroll, fix its recommendation engine

The European Commission on Friday accused TikTok of purposefully designing its app to be "addictive," calling out features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its recommendation engine.

EU says TikTok must disable 'addictive' features like infinite scroll, fix its recommendation engine

TL;DR

  • The European Commission has accused TikTok of purposefully designing its app to be addictive.
  • Features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the recommendation engine are specifically called out.
  • The Commission states TikTok failed to adequately assess how its design decisions could harm users, especially minors.
  • The EU executive arm highlighted that the company disregarded indicators of compulsive use, such as nighttime usage frequency.
  • TikTok is accused of 'rewarding' users with new content, leading to compulsive scrolling and reduced self-control.
  • The Commission demands changes to the app's basic design, including disabling infinite scroll and modifying the recommendation system.
  • TikTok denies the allegations, calling the findings 'categorically false and entirely meritless'.
  • The Commission argues that TikTok's existing screen time and parental controls are insufficient to mitigate risks.
  • These allegations come amid heightened global scrutiny of social media platforms and similar measures being considered or implemented in other countries like Australia, the UK, Spain, France, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and the US.
  • TikTok recently settled a social media addiction lawsuit in the U.S. and faces potential fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover if found to be in breach of the DSA.

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