EU accuses TikTok of violating DSA over mental health risks

Mental health risks linked to 'rabbit hole' algorithm

The European Commission claims the platform's For You feed creates rabbit holes by repeatedly showing users similar content related to body image, isolation, or sadness. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated that the algorithm traps users in loops they cannot easily escape by serving more of the same content every time they interact with a video.

The Commission found that the algorithm prioritizes viewing time over user requests to see less content. These feedback loops can lead to negative consequences including increased stress, sadness, anxiety, lower self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and the worsening of eating disorders or other mental health conditions.

Regulators stated that TikTok failed to implement effective, proportionate, and reasonable mitigation measures to address the risks posed by its recommendation system.

Henna Virkkunen stated that the Digital Services Act holds platforms accountable for the negative impacts of their recommendation systems and that TikTok must increase its efforts to protect users. The ongoing investigation is concerned that the algorithm negatively impacts user mental health by trapping them in repetitive content loops related to loneliness, depression, or body dissatisfaction.

Brussels demands algorithm redesign and testing

The European Commission has requested that TikTok redesign its "For You" feed to protect users, specifically minors. Brussels wants the platform to prioritize explicit user interests rather than relying on watch time. Specifically, the Commission wants the platform to remove viewing time as a recommendation signal.

Regulators are also demanding that TikTok improve access to content controls. The Commission requires that TikTok conduct regular testing of its recommendation system to identify harmful patterns. The Commission is demanding that the company implement independent algorithm audits and improve parental controls.

TikTok rejects findings as fundamentally inaccurate

TikTok has rejected the preliminary findings, describing the charges as "categorically false". The company stated that it intends to challenge the assessment. A company spokesperson said the Commission's statements are "fundamentally inaccurate" and that they distort the platform's architecture and commitment to user safety.

The platform further stated that the assessment fails to reflect the company's actual safety systems and operating principles. TikTok defended its platform by noting it has a strong record of protecting the community.

Potential fines of 6% of global annual turnover

Multiple sources report that the potential penalty reaches six percent of the company's global annual revenue.

This financial consequence could be imposed next year if the company does not resolve the concerns raised by regulators. The penalty is calculated based on the global annual turnover of ByteDance, the owner of TikTok.

History of DSA compliance investigations

TikTok was classified as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act in April 2023. The European Commission initiated formal proceedings against the platform on 19 February 2024, which included concerns regarding the rabbit hole effect.

In February 2026, regulators issued preliminary findings alleging the platform used addictive design features and provided inadequate child protections. These findings also alleged the platform created obstacles for researchers attempting to access public data.

TikTok rejected the February 2026 findings as categorically false and stated it would challenge them. European authorities further investigated the platform in July 2026 regarding the protection of minors’ personal data.

Broader regulatory landscape and California law

The European Commission is simultaneously investigating whether Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram recommendation systems create similar rabbit hole effects. Previous regulatory actions under the Digital Services Act include a €120 million penalty for X in December 2025.

Temu received a €200 million penalty in May 2026.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed this law on 10 September 2026, which restricts addictive features for users under 16 years of age.

TikTok cooperation and user control data

The European Commission’s findings rely on TikTok’s internal data, risk reports, and consultations with experts in psychology and recommendation systems. The Irish media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, supported this investigation because the platform’s European headquarters are located in Ireland.

During the first six months of 2026, over 79 million European Union users utilised the platform’s not interested option or keyword filters. Regulators argue these tools are insufficient because the algorithm prioritises total watch time over explicit user requests.

Users often continue to receive similar content even after attempting to reject specific categories, making the not interested feature inconsistent.

The Commission noted that the platform has been cooperative during the proceedings, with the goal of resolving issues rather than primarily imposing penalties.