EU accuses TikTok of content recommendation system

The EU Commission published a statement regarding the preliminary findings of its investigation into TikTok's content recommendation system.

The platform's "For You" personalized video feed can repeatedly expose users to similar content on topics such as mental health issues and body image, the statement said.

It was stated in the statement that as users' interaction with certain types of content increases, the algorithm recommends more similar content, and that this situation, called the "rabbit hole effect", can negatively affect the mental health of children and some adults.

In the statement, it was noted that it was determined that TikTok's recommendation algorithm did not adequately evaluate the risk of dragging users into such content loops.

In the statement, it was pointed out that constant exposure to the content in question could increase sadness and anxiety, and it was stated that TikTok did not take effective precautions against the risks in this regard.

In the statement, it was reported that the EU Commission is of the opinion that TikTok should change the design of the "For You" flow at this stage of the investigation.

In the statement, it was stated that TikTok could submit a written defense against the preliminary findings, and it was noted that if the violation is confirmed with a final decision, a fine of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover may be imposed on the company.