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EU tells TikTok to fix ‘harmful’ For You feed, threatens fines
The European Commission has preliminarily found that TikTok’s For You feed may breach the Digital Services Act by repeatedly recommending similar, potentially distressing videos. It has ordered the company to change the algorithm, arguing that prolonged exposure to material about sadness, isolation and body image can harm users, especially children.
TikTok disputes the findings, calling them inaccurate, and says users have control over their content experience. The company can respond before the Commission makes a final decision; regulators say fines could reach 6 per cent. The case follows earlier EU concerns about addictive features and comes amid wider efforts to protect minors online.
In short
- EU says TikTok’s recommendation algorithm may breach the Digital Services Act.
- The Commission wants changes to the For You feed.
- Fines could reach 6 per cent if TikTok fails to address the concerns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Commission’s case is that a feed repeatedly showing similar material can narrow users’ exposure and intensify distress, particularly for children, even when each video is not harmful in isolation. Requiring TikTok to assess and reduce that risk could protect users and make the platform accountable for how its recommendations shape their experience.
The case against
TikTok’s position is that the Commission’s preliminary findings are inaccurate and that users can control what they see. The company could argue that broad regulatory demands to change recommendations risk limiting user choice, and that any final measures should rest on clear evidence and give the company a fair chance to respond.
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