TikTok says it's "categorically false" that it has an addictive design

Brussels.- The Chinese platform TikTok said this Friday that the investigation carried out by the European Commission, which concludes that this social network has an "addictive" design for its users, is based on "a categorically false and totally unfounded description".

"We will take all necessary measures to challenge these findings by all means at our disposal," assured a company spokesperson in a statement. The European Commission concluded today that several of the platform's features, such as its "infinite scroll", automatic video display, notifications, and its "highly personalized" content recommendation system, encourage user addiction and can cause "physical and mental harm", especially to minors. All of this can "lead to compulsive behavior and reduce users' self-control", the Commission pointed out, citing scientific studies, and blamed TikTok for ignoring measures it can take to avoid these risks. Specifically, it considers that the tools to reduce the time of use of the platform are not effective because they are "very easy" to deactivate and that parental control systems also do not work because it requires parents to have the appropriate knowledge to use them.

You may be interested in: Brussels concludes that TikTok's "addictive" design violates EU law

The European Commission believes that TikTok is violating the European Union's Digital Services Act and has asked it to modify the platform's design. If it fails to do so or is not satisfied with the changes it proposes in the future, it can fine it up to 6% of its annual global turnover.