EU charges TikTok over harmful algorithmic 'rabbit hole' effects, tells it to change 'For You' feed

The European Union's tech regulators have accused social media platform TikTok of breaching the bloc's online content rules, demanding that it fix the "rabbit hole" effect of its recommender system. The algorithm, which TikTok shares with its Chinese owner ByteDance, attracts users' attention through a constant stream of similar videos.

The regulators warned that TikTok could face a fine of up to six percent of its global annual turnover if it fails to address the issue by next year. Social media companies are under pressure to modify their algorithms amid growing concerns worldwide that their platforms contribute to a mental health crisis among children. The European Commission, acting as the EU tech regulator, issued charges known as preliminary findings to TikTok after the company failed to implement effective mitigation measures to address the risks.

The Commission stated that the algorithm, which recommends content based on a user's interaction, can be harmful when it leads to endless and repeated exposure to content about sadness, isolation, or body image. TikTok has rejected the accusations, stating that the commission's statements are inaccurate and distort its platform's architecture and commitment to user safety.

However, the commission remains firm on its demand for TikTok to change its business model in Europe, suggesting modifications such as relying more on users' explicit preferences, increasing the accessibility and usability of user controls, and regularly testing its algorithm.