EU wants to change TikTok's algorithm

TikTok's "For You" stream, which scrolls for hours, is under the spotlight again in Europe. The European Commission announced that the platform's recommendation algorithm may be in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). If the violation is confirmed, the bill will be heavy: The fine could be up to 6 percent of the global annual turnover of ByteDance, the owner of TikTok.

What Does the Commission See as Problem with the TikTok Algorithm?

The "For You" feed continues to recommend similar content by looking at videos that users have watched and liked. According to the commission, this can lead to content related to sadness, loneliness and appearance appearing again and again. Therefore, the system can create a loop that keeps the user in the same topic.

Therefore, the mental health of sensitive users and children may be negatively affected. Moreover, the Commission considers that TikTok's current measures are not sufficient to reduce these risks. This evaluation of the institution is a criticism of the measures taken by the company.

What the EU Wants from the TikTok Algorithm

The institution requested changes to the suggestion system. First of all, the algorithm is asked to pay more attention to the preferences clearly stated by users. It is also recommended that video viewing time be removed from being a signal used in recommendations.

Settings to control content flow should be more easily accessible.

These settings should be made more useful.

The algorithm should be tested regularly.

What these requests have in common is that control is transferred to the user. Because passive signals such as viewing time may not reflect the person's conscious choice. The Commission therefore wants to highlight clear preferences.

TikTok Denies the Accusations

TikTok, on the other hand, did not accept the accusations of the European Commission. The company argued that the company's statements misrepresented the working structure of the platform. He also stated that the measures taken for user safety were not conveyed correctly.

If violations prove definitive, TikTok owner ByteDance could face fines of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover. The investigation is ongoing as part of the European Union's broader review of TikTok. Finally, the Commission's final decision on the TikTok algorithm is awaited.