EU accuses TikTok of breaching digital rules over algorithm
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 12:31 · Archive
The European Union accused TikTok of breaching its digital rules because its algorithm recommends users a nonstop stream of personalised videos that could harm mental health and body image. The European Commission said on Friday that the short-video platform must change the design of its 'For You' feed to give users more control over the content they see.
Regulators said TikTok failed to assess how its recommendation systems could lead people into 'rabbit holes' of similar video clips based on what they have previously viewed or liked, even if the content is triggering such as clips about weight loss and mental health struggles. TikTok has added some measures, such as a 'not interested' button, but the commission said these are ineffective in reducing how often harmful content is recommended.
European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said: 'Every time a user scrolls or likes a video on TikTok, the algorithm serves more of the same, leading users down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from.' The company will have a chance to respond to the preliminary findings before the commission issues its final decision, which could include a fine of up to 6 per cent of TikTok's total annual revenue.
Regulators want TikTok to give more weight to explicit user preferences, stop relying on viewing time as a metric for recommendations, and make user controls more accessible.
How it is being reported
- EU says 'rabbit hole' video feeds on TikTok violate its digital rulesThe European Union has accused TikTok of breaching its digital rules.News4Jax · 6 Nov, 11:31
- EU says 'rabbit hole' video feeds on TikTok violate its digital rulesThe European Union has accused TikTok of breaching its digital rules.Clickorlando · 6 Nov, 11:31
In this story: European Union · TikTok · European Commission · Henna Virkkunen
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