BUSINESS NEWS-: (Europe Takes a Stand Against TikTok) European Union authorities have issued a strong warning to TikTok, saying the popular video app is breaking online safety rules by encouraging addictive behavior, especially among children and teenagers. Regulators say TikTok must change how its app works in Europe or face serious penalties.
After months of investigation, the European Commission released early findings that claim TikTok’s design pushes young users to stay on the app for too long. Features like endless scrolling, videos that play automatically, constant notifications, and a highly personalized content feed were singled out as major concerns.
“These features make it hard to stop watching,” said EU officials, adding that this kind of design can harm children’s mental health. The warning comes as governments across Europe push harder to control big tech companies and protect younger users online.
Why the EU Says TikTok Is Breaking the Rules
The investigation focuses on whether TikTok follows the Digital Services Act, a law designed to make online platforms safer and more responsible. According to the European Commission, TikTok’s current safety measures are not strong enough.
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said the platform must change how it is designed to better protect minors. Another EU spokesperson explained that TikTok’s features encourage compulsive behavior, meaning users keep watching even when they want to stop.
Regulators believe TikTok’s powerful recommendation system is a big part of the problem. The app quickly learns what users like and then feeds them a never-ending stream of similar videos. For kids, this can mean hours of scrolling without realizing how much time has passed.
The EU has warned that TikTok could face a fine of up to 6 percent of its parent company’s global revenue, which could amount to billions of dollars.
Alarming Numbers About Kids and Screen Time
During the investigation, EU officials uncovered statistics they described as “alarming.” According to the data, TikTok is the most used social media app after midnight among children aged 13 to 18.
Even more concerning, about 7 percent of children aged 12 to 15 spend four to five hours a day on TikTok. That is nearly the same amount of time many kids spend at school.
Experts say excessive screen time can affect sleep, focus, and emotional health, especially when apps are designed to keep users hooked. Regulators worry that younger users may not have the self-control or awareness to manage these risks on their own.
This is why the EU believes tech companies must take responsibility for how their products affect children.
TikTok Pushes Back as Pressure Grows on Big Tech
TikTok strongly disagrees with the EU’s findings. The company said the investigation presents a false picture of how the platform works and insists it already offers tools to help users manage screen time.
A TikTok spokesperson said the company will fight the claims and take all necessary steps to challenge the decision. TikTok argues that its platform provides entertainment, creativity, and connection for millions of users, including teens.
Still, TikTok is facing increasing pressure not just in Europe, but around the world. Governments are becoming more concerned about how social media affects young people, and TikTok’s powerful algorithm often puts it at the center of those debates.
European leaders say their goal is not to ban TikTok, but to force changes that make the app safer. The investigation is still ongoing, and final decisions have not yet been made. However, the message from regulators is clear: protecting children comes first.
As the digital world grows, the fight over how much responsibility tech companies should carry is only getting louder.
What This Means for the Business of Social Media
The EU’s warning highlights a growing challenge for social media companies: features that drive engagement can also attract regulatory scrutiny. Algorithms designed to maximize user time are central to advertising revenue, but they are increasingly being examined for their social impact. As rules tighten in Europe, platforms may face higher compliance costs and design constraints that could influence how digital products are built globally. For large tech firms, the debate is no longer just about growth, but about how engagement-driven business models fit within stricter regulatory frameworks.
News in Brief : Europe Takes a Stand Against TikTok
European Union regulators have issued a formal warning to TikTok, accusing the platform of violating the EU’s Digital Services Act by encouraging addictive behavior, particularly among children and teenagers. Officials say features like endless scrolling, autoplay videos, constant notifications, and personalized recommendations make it difficult for young users to stop using the app. Investigators found alarming data showing heavy late-night usage and long daily screen times among minors. TikTok disputes the findings and says it already offers safety tools, but the EU warns the company could face fines of up to 6 percent of its global revenue if changes are not made. The case reflects growing pressure on tech platforms to prioritize child safety.
Do you think social media apps like TikTok should be redesigned to limit screen time for kids, or should parents and users be responsible instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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