EU Wants TikTok to Change Its 'For You' Page Over Harmful Content Recommendations

Many of the social media giants have been in hot water in the EU for one reason or another. TikTok is among them, who is now facing fresh scrutiny over its For You page. The European Commission says its recommendation algorithm can repeatedly push users toward harmful content. It wants the company to change how the feed works.

EU says TikTok’s For You algorithm creates harmful content loops

The Commission has preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Its concerns revolve around what regulators call the “rabbit hole effect.” TikTok’s recommendation system studies how users interact with videos. When someone watches or likes particular content, the algorithm recommends more videos covering similar topics. This can become concerning when users repeatedly encounter material about sadness, isolation, body image, or mental health struggles.

The EU says these recommendations could negatively affect vulnerable adults and minors. It also believes TikTok failed to properly assess these risks and introduce effective safeguards.

Interestingly, the Commission says TikTok’s existing controls are not enough. Even the “Not interested” button may fail to change recommendations. The platform reportedly gives viewing time significant weight when selecting videos.

TikTok could face changes to its recommendation system

The Commission wants TikTok to give greater priority to users’ explicitly stated preferences. It has also suggested removing viewing time as a recommendation signal. Easier-to-find content controls and regular algorithm testing are among its other recommendations.

That being said, TikTok has pushed back against the preliminary findings. The company called the Commission’s statements fundamentally inaccurate. It also defended its existing safety measures and user controls.

This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny under European digital rules. The Commission previously raised concerns about addictive design features, including infinite scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications. It has also questioned the platform’s protections for younger users.

If regulators eventually confirm a DSA violation, TikTok could face a fine reaching 6% of its global annual turnover. However, these are preliminary findings, not a final ruling. TikTok can review the evidence and respond before the Commission reaches its decision.

via: POLITICO, The Verge