EU tells TikTok to fix harmful For You feed and threatens fines
The European Commission has ordered TikTok to modify the algorithm powering its For You feed, warning of major fines under the European Union’s Digital Services Act. Preliminary findings announced on Friday accuse the social media platform of trapping users in harmful "rabbit holes" by repeatedly serving similar clips based on previous views and likes, even when the content is triggering. European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen warned that this algorithmic loop endlessly exposes users, particularly minors, to distressing material focused on sadness, isolation, and negative body image.
TikTok rejected the findings, calling them fundamentally inaccurate and arguing that regulators distorted the platform's architecture and commitment to community safety and user control. While the EU acknowledged that TikTok had made some previous adjustments to mitigate risks, officials deemed those tweaks insufficient. Regulators warned that fines on the Chinese-owned platform could reach up to 6 percent unless the issue is resolved, noting that the company will have an opportunity to respond before a final decision is reached.
The directive marks a shift toward scrutinizing the platform's core recommendation engine rather than peripheral features, following earlier EU inquiries in February concerning addictive notifications and in July regarding child risks like cyberbullying. It also mirrors recent Brussels orders requiring Meta to change Facebook and Instagram feeds under the Digital Services Act, as well as broader youth protection initiatives and under-15 social media bans enacted across France, Spain, and England.
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