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TikTok's 'For You' feed may have to change: EU warns of heavy fines
The EU is preparing to introduce strict rules against TikTok's scrolling addiction. Investigating TikTok's personalized content algorithm, the EU stated that the company did not take effective measures against risks to body image and mental health.
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Social media addiction is one of today's major challenges, and the EU is taking active steps to address it. The European Commission announced preliminary findings in its investigation into TikTok's content recommendation system. The personalized "For You" video feed, which forms the core of the platform, reportedly violates digital regulations.
According to the findings published by the Commission, the algorithm repeatedly exposes users to similar videos on sensitive topics such as mental health issues and body image.
"Rabbit hole effect" increases mental health risk
The statement noted that as users interact more with specific types of content, the algorithm prioritizes similar posts even further. The technical report described this situation as the "rabbit hole effect."
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The findings indicated that this cycle could adversely affect the mental health of children as well as some adult users. The Commission stated that continuous exposure to similar content can trigger increased sadness and anxiety levels among users.
TikTok criticized for failing to conduct risk analysis
Another finding in the investigation involved risk management. The EU Commission stated that TikTok did not adequately evaluate the risk of its content recommendation algorithm leading users into these loops.
The platform was noted to lack effective safeguards against the identified harmful effects, and the Commission expressed the view that the design of the "For You" feed must be modified at this stage of the investigation.
Fines up to 6 percent of global turnover on the table
During the investigation process, TikTok was granted the right to submit a written defense against the announced preliminary findings. A final evaluation will be conducted after the company presents its defense.
If the violation of digital regulations is confirmed, the European Union will have the authority to impose fines on TikTok of up to 6 percent of its annual global turnover.
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This article was translated from Turkish. Read the original article in Turkish.
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