The European Commission has concluded, on a preliminary basis, that TikTok is in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the risks posed by its recommendation system for users’ mental health. Brussels considers that the platform has not properly assessed the consequences of its algorithm or adopted effective measures to prevent people from being repeatedly exposed to content related to anxiety, eating disorders, or dissatisfaction with one’s own image.
The conclusions, published this Friday, 6 November, focus on the operation of "For you", the section of TikTok that selects the videos that appear by default on each user’s screen according to their previous activity. The Commission warns that this mechanism can lead to ongoing exposure to certain content, with especially harmful consequences for minors and adults in situations of vulnerability.
The problem, according to the EU investigation, lies in the algorithm’s interpretation of interactions. When a person spends time watching videos about weight loss, isolation, or emotional difficulties, the system may understand that behavior as a sign of interest and offer them new similar posts, even though repeated consumption turns out to be harmful.
Brussels thus identifies a phenomenon known as "rabbit-hole effect", by which recommendations progressively lead the user toward a succession of content of the same nature, increasingly difficult to interrupt. The Commission links this dynamic to possible increases in sadness and anxiety, lower self-esteem, and the worsening of pre-existing eating disorders or mental health problems.
Brussels questions the effectiveness of TikTok’s controls
The investigation has also examined the tools enabled by TikTok to reduce the algorithm’s risks. Although the platform has incorporated mechanisms intended to diversify recommendations and allow users to express their preferences, the Commission considers that their effectiveness is insufficient.
One of the most questioned aspects is how the “Not interested” button works. According to preliminary conclusions, using this option does not guarantee that the appearance of similar content will be reduced, since the algorithm gives greater importance to the time a person spends watching a video than to their stated desire to receive fewer posts on that theme.
The diversification mechanisms also do not, in Brussels’ view, reduce sufficiently the repetition of videos related to mental health or body image issues.
In light of these shortcomings, the Commission considers it necessary to modify the design of “For you”. Among the possible measures, it points to greater attention to preferences expressed directly by users, the removal of viewing time as an indicator for recommending content, and an improvement in the accessibility and operation of the control tools. It also calls for periodic evaluations of the algorithm.
An investigation that could end in a million-dollar fine
The case file is still in a preliminary stage, so Brussels will have to complete the procedure before determining whether TikTok has violated European legislation and, if so, imposing a sanction.
The company will be able to consult the documentation of the investigation and submit written arguments. At the same time, Brussels will seek the opinion of the European Digital Services Committee before continuing with the procedure.
If the preliminary conclusions are confirmed, the Commission may adopt a formal decision of non-compliance and fine the platform with a penalty of up to 6% of its worldwide annual turnover. The amount will depend, among other factors, on the seriousness, duration and possible recurrence of the infringement.
To prepare its conclusions, the Community services have examined risk assessments, internal documentation and data provided by TikTok, in addition to scientific investigations and interviews with specialists in recommendation systems, psychology and psychiatry. The Irish authority for digital services, Coimisiún na Meán, has also collaborated in the inquiries.
European pressure on TikTok
This file is added to other actions developed by Brussels regarding the functioning of the social network. In February 2026, the Commission communicated its preliminary findings regarding its addictive design and, in July, did likewise with regard to the protection of minors.
The Commission has also examined other obligations of TikTok, including allowing independent researchers to analyze the platform’s public data to study issues such as the spread of content and the risks associated with its operation. In October 2025, Brussels communicated its preliminary findings on the deficiencies detected in this access.
Another of the matters investigated has been the information that TikTok provides about the ads published on the social network, necessary to know who pays for them, what promotional messages it publicizes, and which users they are directed at. This last file was closed in December 2025, after the company assumed binding commitments to improve advertising transparency.
Virkkunen warns that the TikTok algorithm traps users in repetitive content
The executive vice president of the European Commission responsible for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, has warned that every interaction with a video can cause the algorithm to recommend more similar content and draw users into sequences from which it is difficult to get out.
Virkkunen has recalled that European legislation requires platforms to be responsible for the negative effects associated with their recommendation systems and has called on TikTok to make greater efforts to protect the well-being of its users, especially that of minors.