Cyber Awareness

EU Orders TikTok to Alter For You Feed Over ‘Rabbit Hole’ Concerns

By Al Jazeera Staff

The European Commission has directed TikTok to modify the algorithm that powers its For You feed, citing violations of the Digital Services Act. Brussels accused the platform of creating “harmful rabbit holes” by repeatedly serving users similar videos based on prior views or likes, even when the content is triggering. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen said the algorithm “serves more of the same, leading users down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from,” and that TikTok must increase efforts to protect users’ well‑being, including minors. The EU noted that the algorithm exposes users to endless content about sadness, isolation or body image. While TikTok has made some changes, the EU says they are insufficient. TikTok rejected the findings, calling them “fundamentally inaccurate” and asserting its strong record of protecting users and giving them control over their experience. Regulators warned that fines could rise by up to 6 percent if the issue is not resolved. The company will have an opportunity to respond before a final decision is issued. Recent EU actions have aimed to shield minors from predatory behaviour, cyberbullying, mental health decline and eating disorders, with some countries banning social media for children under 15. Earlier EU findings in February highlighted TikTok’s failure to assess how addictive features could harm users, while July investigations focused on risks to children. The same month, Brussels also ordered Meta to change Facebook and Instagram feeds for Digital Services Act violations.